GOOD STORIES FOR GREAT HOLIDAYS

ARRANGED FOR STORY-TELLING AND READING ALOUD

AND FOR THE CHILDREN'S OWN READING

By Frances Jenkins Olcott

Index according to reading level is appended. 

TO THE STORY-TELLER

This volume, though intended also for the children's own reading and forreading aloud, is especially planned for story-telling. The latter is adelightful way of arousing a gladsome holiday spirit, and of showing theinner meanings of different holidays. As stories used for this purposeare scattered through many volumes, and as they are not always in theconcrete form required for story-telling, I have endeavored to bringtogether myths, legends, tales, and historical stories suitable toholiday occasions. 

There are here collected one hundred and twenty stories for seventeenholidays--stories grave, gay, humorous, or fanciful; also some thatare spiritual in feeling, and others that give the delicious thrillof horror so craved by boys and girls at Halloween time. The rangeof selection is wide, and touches all sides of wholesome boy and girlnature, and the tales have the power to arouse an appropriate holidayspirit. 

As far as possible the stories are presented in their original form. When, however, they are too long for inclusion, or too loose instructure for story-telling purposes, they are adapted. 

Adapted stories are of two sorts. Condensed: in which case a piece ofliterature is shortened, scarcely any changes being made in the originallanguage. Rewritten: here the plot, imagery, language, and style of theoriginal are retained as far as possible, while the whole is mouldedinto form suitable for story-telling. Some few stories are built up on aslight framework of original matter. 

Thus it may be seen that the tales in this volume have not been reducedto the necessarily limited vocabulary and uniform style of one editor, but that they are varied in treatment and language, and are the productsof many minds. 

A glance at the table of contents will show that not only haveselections been made from modern authors and from the folklore ofdifferent races, but that some quaint old literary sources have beendrawn on. Among the men and books contributing to these pages are theGesta Romanorum, Il Libro d'Oro, Xenophon, Ovid, Lucian, the VenerableBede, William of Malmesbury. John of Hildesheim, William Caxton, and themore modern Washington Irving, Hugh Miller, Charles Dickens, and HenryCabot Lodge; also those immortals, Hans Andersen, the Brothers Grimm, Horace E. Scudder, and others. 

The stories are arranged to meet the needs of story-telling in thegraded schools. Reading-lists, showing where to find additional materialfor story-telling and collateral reading, are added. Grades in which therecommended stories are useful are indicated. 

The number of selections in the volume, as well as the referencesto other books, is limited by the amount and character of availablematerial. For instance, there is little to be found for SaintValentine's Day, while there is an overwhelming abundance of finestories for the Christmas season. Stories like Dickens's "ChristmasCarol, " Ouida's "Dog of Flanders, " and Hawthorne's tales, which are toolong for inclusion and would lose their literary beauty if condensed, are referred to in the lists. Volumes containing these stories may beprocured at the public library. 

A subject index is appended. This indicates the ethical, historical, andother subject-matter of interest to the teacher, thus making the volumeserviceable for other occasions besides holidays. 

In learning her tale the story-teller is advised not to commit it tomemory. Such a method is apt to produce a wooden or glib manner ofpresentation. It is better for her to read the story over and over againuntil its plot, imagery, style, and vocabulary become her own, and thento retell it, as Miss Bryant says, "simply, vitally, joyously. "

CONTENTS

NEW YEAR'S DAY (January 1)

THE FAIRY'S NEW YEAR GIFT: Emilie Poulsson, In the Child's World

THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL: Hans Christian Andersen, Stories and Tales

THE TWELVE MONTHS: Alexander Chodsvko, Slav Fairy Tales

THE MAIL-COACH PASSENGERS: Hans Christian Andersen, Fairy Tales

LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY (February 10)

HE RESCUES THE BIRDS: Noah Brooks, Abraham Lincoln

LINCOLN AND THE LITTLE GIRL: Charles W. Moores, Life of Abraham Lincolnfor Boys and Girls

TRAINING FOR THE PRESIDENCY: Orison Swett Matden, Winning Out

WHY LINCOLN WAS CALLED "HONEST ABE": Noah Brooks, Abraham Lincoln

A STRANGER AT FIVE-POINTS: Adapted

A SOLOMON COME TO JUDGMENT: Charles W. Moores, Life of Abraham Lincolnfor Boys and Girls

GEORGE PICKETT'S FRIEND: Charles W. Moores, Life of Abraham Lincoln forBoys and Girls

LINCOLN THE LAWYER: Z. A. Mudge, The Forest Boy

THE COURAGE OF HIS CONVICTIONS: Adapted

MR. LINCOLN AND THE BIBLE: Z. A. Mudge, The Forest Boy

HIS SPRINGFIELD FAREWELL ADDRESS [Lincoln]

SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY (February 14)

SAINT VALENTINE

SAINT VALENTINE: Millicent Olmsted

A GIRL'S VALENTINE CHARM: The Connoisseur, 1775

MR. PEPYS HIS VALENTINE: Samuel Pepys, Diary

CUPID AND PSYCHE: Josephine Preston Peabody, Old Greek Folk Stories

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY (February 22)

THREE OLD TALES: M. L. Weems, Life of George Washington, with CuriousAnecdotes

YOUNG GEORGE AND THE COLT: Horace E. Scudder, George Washington

WASHINGTON THE ATHLETE: Albert F. Blaisdell and Francis R. Ball, HeroStories from American History

WASHINGTON'S MODESTY: Henry Cabot Lodge, George Washington

WASHINGTON AT YORKTOWN: Henry Cabot lodge, George Washington

RESURRECTION DAY (Easter Sunday) (March or April)

A LESSON OF FAITH: Mrs. Alfred Gatty, Parables from Nature

A CHILD'S DREAM OF A STAR: Charles Dickens

THE LOVELIEST ROSE IN THE WORLD: Hans Christian Andersen, Stories andTales

MAY DAY (May 1) THE SNOWDROP: Hans Christian Andersen; Adapted by Baileyand Lewis

THE THREE LITTLE BUTTERFLY BROTHERS: From the German

THE WATER DROP: Friedrich Wilhelm Carove, Story without an End, translated by Sarah Austin

THE SPRING BEAUTY: Henry R. Schoolcraft, The Myth of Hiawatha

THE FAIRY TULIPS: English Folk-Tale

THE STREAM THAT RAN AWAY: Mary Austin, The Basket Woman

THE ELVES: Harriet Mazwell Converse, Myths and legends of the New YorkState Iroquois

THE CANYON FLOWERS: Ralph Connor, The Sky Pilot

CLYTIE, THE HELIOTROPE: Ovid, Metamorphoses

HYACINTHUS: Ovid, Metamorphoses

ECHO AND NARCISSUS: Ovid, Metamorphoses

MOTHERS' DAY (Second Sunday in May)

THE LARK AND ITS YOUNG ONES: P. V. Ramuswami Raju, Indian Fables

CORNELIA S JEWELS: James Baldwin, Fifty Famous Stories Retold

QUEEN MARGARET AND THE ROBBERS: Albert F. Blaisdell, Stories fromEnylish History

THE REVENGE OF CORIOLANUS: Charles Morris, Historical Tales

THE WIDOW AND HER THREE SONS

MEMORIAL DAY (May 30)[1] AND FLAG DAY (June 14) Confederate Memorial Dayis celebrated in some States on April 26 and in others on May 10. 

BETSY ROSS AND THE FLAG: Harry Pringle Ford

THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER: Eva March Tappan, Hero Stories from AmericanHistory

THE LITTLE DRUMMER-BOY: Aloert Bushnell Hart, The Romance of the CivilWar

A FLAG INCIDENT: M. M. Thomas, Captain Phil

TWO HERO-STORIES OF THE CIVIL WAR: Ben La Bree, Camp Fires of theConfederacy

THE YOUNG SENTINEL: Z. A. Mudge, The Forest Boy

THE COLONEL OF THE ZOUAVES: Noah Brooks, Abraham Lincoln

GENERAL SCOTT AND THE STARS AND STRIPES: E. D. Townsend, Anecdotes ofthe Civil War

INDEPENDENCE DAY (July 4)

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: Washington Irving, Life of Washington

THE SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: H. A. Guerber, The Storyof the Thirteen Colonies

A BRAVE GIRL: James Johonnot, Stories of Heroic Deeds

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY: John Andrews, Letter to a friend written in 1773

A GUNPOWDER STORY: John Esten Cooke, Stories of the Old Dominion

THE CAPTURE OF FORT TICONDEROGA: Washington Irving, Life of Washington

WASHINGTON AND THE COWARDS: Washington Irving, Life of Washington

LABOR DAY (First Monday in September)

THE SMITHY: P. V. Ramaswami Raju, Indian Fables

THE NAIL: The Brothers Grimm, German Household Tales

THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER: Horace E. Scudder, Book of Fables and FolkStories

THE HILLMAN AND THE HOUSEWIFE: Juliana Horatia Ewing, Old FashionedFairy Tales

HOFUS THE STONE CUTTER, A JAPANESE LEGEND: The Riserside Third Reader

ARACHNE: Josephine Preston Peabody, Old Greek Folk Stories

THE METAL KING: A German Folk-Tale

THE CHOICE OF HERCULES: Xenophon, Memorabilia of Socrates

THE SPEAKING STATUE: Gesta Romanorum

THE CHAMPION STONE CUTTER: Hugh Miller

BILL BROWN'S TEST: Cleveland Moffett, Careers of Danger and Daring

COLUMBUS DAY (October 12)

COLUMBUS AND THE EGG: James Baldwin, Thirty More Famous Stories Retold

COLUMBUS AT LA RABIDA: Washington Irving, Life of Christopher Columbus

THE MUTINY: A. De Lamartine, Life of Columbus

THE FIRST LANDING OF COLUMBUS IN THE NEW WORLD: Washington Irving, Lifeof Christopher Columbus

HALLOWEEN (October 31)

THE OLD WITCH: The Brothers Grimm, German Household Tales

SHIPPEITARO: Mary F. Nixon-Roulet, Japanese Folk Stories and Fairy Tales

HANSEL AND GRETHEL: The Brothers Grimm, German Household Tales

BURG HILL'S ON FIRE: Elizabeth W. Grierson, Children's Book of CelticStories

THE KING OF THE CATS: Ernest Rhys, Fairy-Gold

THE STRANGE VISITOR: Joseph Jacobs, English Fairy Tales

THE BENEVOLENT GOBLIN: Gesta Romanorum

THE PHANTOM KNIGHT OF THE VANDAL CAMP: Gesta Romanorum

THANKSGIVING DAY (Last Thursday in November)

THE FIRST HARVEST-HOME IN PLYMOUTH: W. De Loss Lore, Jr. , The Fast andThanksgiving Days of New England

THE MASTER OF THE HARVEST: Mrs. Alfred Gatty, Parables from Nature

SAINT CUTHBERT'S EAGLE: The Venerable Bede, Life and Miracles of SaintCuthbert

THE EARS OF WHEAT: The Brothers Grimm, German Household Tales

HOW INDIAN CORN CAME INTO THE WORLD: Henry R. Schoolcraft, The Myth ofHiawatha

THE NUTCRACKER DWARF: Count Franz Pocci, Fur Frohliche Kinder

THE PUMPKIN PIRATES, A TALE FROM LUCIAN: Alfred J. Church, The GreekGulliver

THE SPIRIT OF THE CORN: Harriet Mazwell Converse, Myths and Legends of the New York State Iroquois

THE HORN OF PLENTY: Ovid, Metamorphoses

CHRISTMAS DAY (December 25)

LITTLE PICCOLA: Celia Thazter, Stories and Poems for Children

THE STRANGER CHILD, A LEGEND: Count Franz Pocci, Fur Frohliche Kinder

SAINT CHRISTOPHER: William Caxton, Golden Legend

THE CHRISTMAS ROSE, AN OLD LEGEND: Lizzie Deas, Flower Favourites

THE WOODEN SHOES OF LITTLE WOLFF: Francois Coppee

THE PINE TREE: Hans Christian Andersen, Wonder Stories

THE CHRISTMAS CUCKOO: Frances Browne, Granny's Wonderful Chair

THE CHRISTMAS FAIRY OF STRASBURG, A GERMAN FOLK-TALE: J. Stirling Coyne, Illustrated London News

THE THREE PURSES, A LEGEND: William S. Walsh, Story of Santa Klaus

THE THUNDER OAK, A SCANDINAVIAN LEGEND: William S. Walsh and Others

THE CHRISTMAS THORN OF GLASTONBURY, A LEGEND OF ANCIENT BRITAIN: Williamof Malmesbury and Others

THE THREE KINGS OF COLOGNE, A LEGEND OF THE MIDDLE AGES: John ofHildesheim, Modernized by H. S. Morris

ARBOR DAY

THE LITTLE TREE THAT LONGED FOR OTHER LEAVES: Friedrieh Ruckert

WHY THE EVERGREEN TREES NEVER LOSE THEIR LEAVES: Florence Holbrook, Bookof Nature Myths

WHY THE ASPEN QUIVERS: Old legend

THE WONDER TREE: Friedrich Adolph Krummacher, Parables

THE PROUD OAK TREE: Old Fable

BAUCIS AND PHILEMON: H. P. Maskell, Francis Storr, Half-a-Hundred Hero Tales

THE UNFRUITFUL TREE: Friedrich Adolph Krummacher, Parables

THE DRYAD OF THE OLD OAK: James Russell Lowell, Rhoecus (a poem)

DAPHNE: OVID, Metamorphoses BIRD DAY

THE OLD WOMAN WHO BECAME A WOODPECKER: Phoebe Cary, A Legend of theNorthland (poem)

THE BOY WHO BECAME A ROBIN: Henry R. Schoolcraft, The Myth of Hiawatha

THE TONGUE-CUT SPARROW: A. B. Mitford, Tales of Old Japan

THE QUAILS, A LEGEND OF THE JATAKA: Riverside Fourth Reader

THE MAGPIE'S NEST: Joseph Jacobs, English Fairy Tales

THE GREEDY GEESE: Il Libro d'Oro

THE KING OF THE BIRDS: The Brothers Grimm, German Household Tales

THE DOVE WHO SPOKE TRUTH: Abbie Farwell Brown, The Curious Book of Birds

THE BUSY BLUE JAY: Olive Thorne Miller, True Bird Stories

BABES IN THE WOODS: John Burroughs, Bird Stories from Burroughs

THE PRIDE OF THE REGIMENT: Harry M. Rieffer, The Recollections of aDrummer Boy

THE MOTHER MURRE: Dallas Lore Sharp, Summer

REFERENCE LISTS FOR STORY-TELLING AND COLLATERAL READING

GOOD STORIES FOR GREAT HOLIDAYS

THE FAIRY'S NEW YEAR GIFT

BY EMILIE POULSSON (ADAPTED)

Two little boys were at play one day when a Fairy suddenly appearedbefore them and said: "I have been sent to give you New Year presents. "

She handed to each child a package, and in an instant was gone. 

Carl and Philip opened the packages and found in them two beautifulbooks, with pages as pure and white as the snow when it first falls. 

Many months passed and the Fairy came again to the boys. "I have broughtyou each another book?" said she, "and will take the first ones back toFather Time who sent them to you. "

"May I not keep mine a little longer?" asked Philip. "I have hardlythought about it lately. I'd like to paint something on the last leafthat lies open. "

"No, " said the Fairy; "I must take it just as it is. "

"I wish that I could look through mine just once, " said Carl; "I haveonly seen one page at a time, for when the leaf turns over it sticksfast, and I can never open the book at more than one place each day. "

"You shall look at your book, " said the Fairy, "and Philip, at his. " Andshe lit for them two little silver lamps, by the light of which they sawthe pages as she turned them. 

The boys looked in wonder. Could it be that these were the same fairbooks she had given them a year ago? Where were the clean, white pages, as pure and beautiful as the snow when it first falls? Here was a pagewith ugly, black spots and scratches upon it; while the very next pageshowed a lovely little picture. Some pages were decorated with gold andsilver and gorgeous colors, others with beautiful flowers, and stillothers with a rainbow of softest, most delicate brightness. Yet even onthe most beautiful of the pages there were ugly blots and scratches. 

Carl and Philip looked up at the Fairy at last. 

"Who did this?" they asked. "Every page was white and fair as we openedto it; yet now there is not a single blank place in the whole book!"

"Shall I explain some of the pictures to you?" said the Fairy, smilingat the two little boys. 

"See, Philip, the spray of roses blossomed on this page when you letthe baby have your playthings; and this pretty bird, that looks as if itwere singing with all its might, would never have been on this pageif you had not tried to be kind and pleasant the other day, instead ofquarreling. "

"But what makes this blot?" asked Philip. 

"That, " said the Fairy sadly; "that came when you told an untruth oneday, and this when you did not mind mamma. All these blots and scratchesthat look so ugly, both in your book and in Carl's, were made when youwere naughty. Each pretty thing in your books came on its page when youwere good. "

"Oh, if we could only have the books again!" said Carl and Philip. 

"That cannot be, " said the Fairy. "See! they are dated for this year, and they must now go back into Father Time's bookcase, but I havebrought you each a new one. Perhaps you can make these more beautifulthan the others. "

So saying, she vanished, and the boys were left alone, but each held inhis hand a new book open at the first page. 

And on the back of this book was written in letters of gold, "For theNew Year. "

THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL

BY HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN (TRANSLATED)

It was very, very cold; it snowed and it grew dark; it was the lastevening of the year, New Year's Eve. In the cold and dark a poor littlegirl, with bare head and bare feet, was walking through the streets. When she left her own house she certainly had had slippers on; but whatcould they do? They were very big slippers, and her mother had used themtill then, so big were they. The little maid lost them as she slippedacross the road, where two carriages were rattling by terribly fast. Oneslipper was not to be found again, and a boy ran away with the other. Hesaid he could use it for a cradle when he had children of his own. 

So now the little girl went with her little naked feet, which were quitered and blue with the cold. In an old apron she carried a number ofmatches, and a bundle of them in her hand. No one had bought anythingof her all day; no one had given her a copper. Hungry and cold she went, and drew herself together, poor little thing! The snowflakes fell on herlong yellow hair, which curled prettily over her neck; but she did notthink of that now. In all the windows lights were shining, and there wasa glorious smell of roast goose out there in the street; it was no doubtNew Year's Eve. Yes, she thought of that!

In a corner formed by two houses, one of which was a little farther fromthe street than the other, she sat down and crept close. She had drawnup her little feet, but she was still colder, and she did not dare togo home, for she had sold no matches, and she had not a single cent; herfather would beat her; and besides, it was cold at home, for they hadnothing over the them but a roof through which the wind whistled, thoughstraw and rags stopped the largest holes. 

Her small hands were quite numb with the cold. Ah! a little match mightdo her good if she only dared draw one from the bundle, and strikeit against the wall, and warm her fingers at it. She drew one out. R-r-atch! how it spluttered and burned! It was a warm bright flame, likea little candle, when she held her hands over it; it was a wonderfullittle light! It really seemed to the little girl as if she sat before agreat polished stove, with bright brass feet and a brass cover. Thefire burned so nicely; it warmed her so well, --the little girl was justputting out her feet to warm these, too, --when out went the flame; thestove was gone;--she sat with only the end of the burned match in herhand. 

She struck another; it burned; it gave a light; and where it shone onthe wall, the wall became thin like a veil, and she could see through itinto the room where a table stood, spread with a white cloth, and withchina on it; and the roast goose smoked gloriously, stuffed with applesand dried plums. And what was still more splendid to behold, the goosehopped down from the dish, and waddled along the floor, with a knife andfork in its breast; straight to the little girl he came. Then the matchwent out, and only the thick, damp, cold wall was before her. 

She lighted another. Then she was sitting under a beautiful Christmastree; it was greater and finer than the one she had seen through theglass door at the rich merchant's. Thousands of candles burned uponthe green branches, and colored pictures like those in the shop windowslooked down upon them. The little girl stretched forth both hands towardthem; then the match went out. The Christmas lights went higher andhigher. She saw that now they were stars in the sky: one of them felland made a long line of fire. 

"Now some one is dying, " said the little girl, for her old grandmother, the only person who had been good to her, but who was now dead, hadsaid: "When a star falls a soul mounts up to God. "

She rubbed another match against the wall; it became bright again, andin the light there stood the old grandmother clear and shining, mild andlovely. 

"Grandmother!" cried the child. "Oh, take me with you! I know you willgo when the match is burned out. You will go away like the warm stove, the nice roast goose, and the great glorious Christmas tree!"

And she hastily rubbed the whole bundle of matches, for she wished tohold her grandmother fast. And the matches burned with such a glow thatit became brighter than in the middle of the day; grandmother had neverbeen so large or so beautiful. She took the little girl up in her arms, and both flew in the light and the joy so high, so high! and up therewas no cold, nor hunger, nor care--they were with God. 

But in the corner by the house sat the little girl, with red cheeks andsmiling mouth, frozen to death on the last evening of the Old Year. The New Year's sun rose upon the little body, that sat there with thematches, of which one bundle was burned. She wanted to warm herself, the people said. No one knew what fine things she had seen, and in whatglory she had gone in with her grandmother to the New Year's Day. 

THE TWELVE MONTHS

A SLAV LEGEND

BY ALEXANDER CHODZKO (ADAPTED)

There was once a widow who had two daughters, Helen, her own child byher dead husband, and Marouckla, his daughter by his first wife. Sheloved Helen, but hated the poor orphan because she was far prettier thanher own daughter. 

Marouckla did not think about her good looks, and could not understandwhy her stepmother should be angry at the sight of her. The hardest workfell to her share. She cleaned out the rooms, cooked, washed, sewed, spun, wove, brought in the hay, milked the cow, and all this without anyhelp. 

Helen, meanwhile, did nothing but dress herself in her best clothes andgo to one amusement after another. 

But Marouckla never complained. She bore the scoldings and bad temper ofmother and sister with a smile on her lips, and the patience of a lamb. But this angelic behavior did not soften them. They became even moretyrannical and grumpy, for Marouckla grew daily more beautiful, whileHelen's ugliness increased. So the stepmother determined to get rid ofMarouckla, for she knew that while she remained, her own daughter wouldhave no suitors. Hunger, every kind of privation, abuse, every means wasused to make the girl's life miserable. But in spite of it all Maroucklagrew ever sweeter and more charming. 

One day in the middle of winter Helen wanted some wood-violets. 

"Listen, " cried she to Marouckla, "you must go up the mountain andfind me violets. I want some to put in my gown. They must be fresh andsweet-scented-do you hear?"

"But, my dear sister, whoever heard of violets blooming in the snow?"said the poor orphan. 

"You wretched creature! Do you dare to disobey me?" said Helen. "Notanother word. Off with you! If you do not bring me some violets from themountain forest I will kill you. "

The stepmother also added her threats to those of Helen, and withvigorous blows they pushed Marouckla outside and shut the door upon her. The weeping girl made her way to the mountain. The snow lay deep, andthere was no trace of any human being. Long she wandered hither andthither, and lost herself in the wood. She was hungry, and shivered withcold, and prayed to die. 

Suddenly she saw a light in the distance, and climbed toward it till shereached the top of the mountain. Upon the highest peak burned a largefire, surrounded by twelve blocks of stone on which sat twelve strangebeings. Of these the first three had white hair, three were not quite soold, three were young and handsome, and the rest still younger. 

There they all sat silently looking at the fire. They were the TwelveMonths of the Year. The great January was placed higher than the others. His hair and mustache were white as snow, and in his hand he held awand. At first Marouckla was afraid, but after a while her couragereturned, and drawing near, she said:--

"Men of God, may I warm myself at your fire? I am chilled by the wintercold. "

The great January raised his head and answered: "What brings thee here, my daughter? What dost thou seek?"

"I am looking for violets, " replied the maiden. 

"This is not the season for violets. Dost thou not see the snoweverywhere?" said January. 

"I know well, but my sister Helen and my stepmother have ordered me tobring them violets from your mountain. If I return without them theywill kill me. I pray you, good shepherds, tell me where they may befound. "

Here the great January arose and went over to the youngest of theMonths, and, placing his wand in his hand, said:--

"Brother March, do thou take the highest place. "

March obeyed, at the same time waving his wand over the fire. Immediately the flames rose toward the sky, the snow began to melt andthe trees and shrubs to bud. The grass became green, and from betweenits blades peeped the pale primrose. It was spring, and the meadows wereblue with violets. 

"Gather them quickly, Marouckla, " said March. 

Joyfully she hastened to pick the flowers, and having soon a large bunchshe thanked them and ran home. Helen and the stepmother were amazed atthe sight of the flowers, the scent of which filled the house. 

"Where did you find them?" asked Helen. 

"Under the trees on the mountain-side, " said Marouckla. 

Helen kept the flowers for herself and her mother. She did not eventhank her stepsister for the trouble she had taken. The next day shedesired Marouckla to fetch her strawberries. 

"Run, " said she, "and fetch me strawberries from the mountain. They mustbe very sweet and ripe. "

"But whoever heard of strawberries ripening in the snow?" exclaimedMarouckla. 

"Hold your tongue, worm; don't answer me. If I don't have mystrawberries I will kill you, " said Helen. 

Then the stepmother pushed Marouckla into the yard and bolted the door. The unhappy girl made her way toward the mountain and to the largefire round which sat the Twelve Months. The great January occupied thehighest place. 

"Men of God, may I warm myself at your fire? The winter cold chills me, "said she, drawing near. 

The great January raised his head and asked: "Why comest thou here? Whatdost thou seek?"

"I am looking for strawberries, " said she. 

"We are in the midst of winter, " replied January, "strawberries do notgrow in the snow. "

"I know, " said the girl sadly, "but my sister and stepmother haveordered me to bring them strawberries. If I do not they will kill me. Pray, good shepherds, tell me where to find them. "

The great January arose, crossed over to the Month opposite him, andputting the wand in his hand, said: "Brother June, do thou take thehighest place. "

June obeyed, and as he waved his wand over the fire the flames leapedtoward the sky. Instantly the snow melted, the earth was covered withverdure, trees were clothed with leaves, birds began to sing, andvarious flowers blossomed in the forest. It was summer. Under the bushesmasses of star-shaped flowers changed into ripening strawberries, andinstantly they covered the glade, making it look like a sea of blood. 

"Gather them quickly, Marouckla, " said June. 

Joyfully she thanked the Months, and having filled her apron ran happilyhome. 

Helen and her mother wondered at seeing the strawberries, which filledthe house with their delicious fragrance. 

"Wherever did you find them?" asked Helen crossly. 

"Right up among the mountains. Those from under the beech trees are notbad, " answered Marouckla. 

Helen gave a few to her mother and ate the rest herself. Not one did sheoffer to her stepsister. Being tired of strawberries, on the third dayshe took a fancy for some fresh, red apples. 

"Run, Marouckla, " said she, "and fetch me fresh, red apples from themountain. "

"Apples in winter, sister? Why, the trees have neither leaves norfruit!"

"Idle thing, go this minute, " said Helen; "unless you bring back appleswe will kill you. "

As before, the stepmother seized her roughly and turned her out of thehouse. The poor girl went weeping up the mountain, across the deep snow, and on toward the fire round which were the Twelve Months. Motionlessthey sat there, and on the highest stone was the great January. 

"Men of God, may I warm myself at your fire? The winter cold chills me, "said she, drawing near. 

The great January raised his head. "Why comest thou here? What does thouseek?" asked he. 

"I am come to look for red apples, " replied Marouckla. 

"But this is winter, and not the season for red apples, " observed thegreat January. 

"I know, " answered the girl, "but my sister and stepmother sent me tofetch red apples from the mountain. If I return without them they willkill me. "

Thereupon the great January arose and went over to one of the elderlyMonths, to whom he handed the wand saying:--

"Brother September, do thou take the highest place. "

September moved to the highest stone, and waved his wand over the fire. There was a flare of red flames, the snow disappeared, but the fadingleaves which trembled on the trees were sent by a cold northeast wind inyellow masses to the glade. Only a few flowers of autumn were visible. At first Marouckla looked in vain for red apples. Then she espied a treewhich grew at a great height, and from the branches of this hung thebright, red fruit. September ordered her to gather some quickly. Thegirl was delighted and shook the tree. First one apple fell, thenanother. 

"That is enough, " said September; "hurry home. "

Thanking the Months she returned joyfully. Helen and the stepmotherwondered at seeing the fruit. 

"Where did you gather them?" asked the stepsister. 

"There are more on the mountain-top, " answered Marouckla. 

"Then, why did you not bring more?" said Helen angrily. "You must haveeaten them on your way back, you wicked girl. "

"No, dear sister, I have not even tasted them, " said Marouckla. "I shookthe tree twice. One apple fell each time. Some shepherds would not allowme to shake it again, but told me to return home. "

"Listen, mother, " said Helen. "Give me my cloak. I will fetch some moreapples myself. I shall be able to find the mountain and the tree. Theshepherds may cry 'Stop!' but I will not leave go till I have shakendown all the apples. "

In spite of her mother's advice she wrapped herself in her pelisse, put on a warm hood, and took the road to the mountain. Snow coveredeverything. Helen lost herself and wandered hither and thither. Aftera while she saw a light above her, and, following in its direction, reached the mountain-top. 

There was the flaming fire, the twelve blocks of stone, and the TwelveMonths. At first she was frightened and hesitated; then she came nearerand warmed her hands. She did not ask permission, nor did she speak onepolite word. 

"What hath brought thee here? What dost thou seek?" said the greatJanuary severely. 

"I am not obliged to tell you, old graybeard. What business is it ofyours?" she replied disdainfully, turning her back on the fire and goingtoward the forest. 

The great January frowned, and waved his wand over his head. Instantlythe sky became covered with clouds, the fire went down, snow fell inlarge flakes, an icy wind howled round the mountain. Amid the fury ofthe storm Helen stumbled about. The pelisse failed to warm her benumbedlimbs. 

The mother kept on waiting for her. She looked from the window, shewatched from the doorstep, but her daughter came not. The hours passedslowly, but Helen did not return. 

"Can it be that the apples have charmed her from her home?" thought themother. Then she clad herself in hood and pelisse, and went in search ofher daughter. Snow fell in huge masses. It covered all things. For longshe wandered hither and thither, the icy northeast wind whistled in themountain, but no voice answered her cries. 

Day after day Marouckla worked, and prayed, and waited, but neitherstepmother nor sister returned. They had been frozen to death on themountain. 

The inheritance of a small house, a field, and a cow fell to Marouckla. In course of time an honest farmer came to share them with her, andtheir lives were happy and peaceful. 

THE MAIL-COACH PASSENGERS

BY HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN (ADAPTED)

It was bitterly cold. The sky glittered with stars, and not a breezestirred. "Bump, "--an old pot was thrown at a neighbor's door; and, "Bang! Bang!" went the guns, for they were greeting the New Year. 

It was New Year's Eve, and the church clock was striking twelve. "Tan-ta-ra-ra, tan-ta-ra-ra!" sounded the horn, and the mail-coach camelumbering up. The clumsy vehicle stopped at the gate of the town; allthe places had been taken, for there were twelve passengers in thecoach. 

"Hurrah! Hurrah!" cried the people in the town; for in every house theNew Year was being welcomed; and, as the clock struck, they stood up, the full glasses in their hands, to drink success to the newcomer. "Ahappy New Year, " was the cry; "a pretty wife, plenty of money, and nosorrow or care!"

The wish passed round, and the glasses clashed together till they rangagain; while before the town-gate the mail-coach stopped with the twelvestrange passengers. And who were these strangers? Each of them had hispassport and his luggage with him; they even brought presents for me, and for you, and for all the people in the town. Who were they? What didthey want? And what did they bring with them?

"Good-morning!" they cried to the sentry at the town-gate. 

"Good-morning, " replied the sentry, for the clock had struck twelve. 

"Your name and profession?" asked the sentry of the one who alightedfirst from the carriage. 

"See for yourself in the passport, " he replied. 

"I am myself!"--and a famous fellow he looked, arrayed in bearskinand fur boots. "Come to me to-morrow, and I will give you a New Year'spresent. I throw shillings and pence among the people. I give ballsevery night, no less than thirty-one; indeed, that is the highest numberI can spare for balls. My ships are often frozen in, but in my officesit is warm and comfortable. MY NAME IS JANUARY. I am a merchant, and Igenerally bring my accounts with me. "

Then the second alighted. He seemed a merry fellow. He was a director ofa theater, a manager of masked balls, and a leader of all the amusementswe can imagine. His luggage consisted of a great cask. 

"We'll dance the bung out of the cask at carnival-time, " said he. "I'llprepare a merry tune for you and for myself, too. Unfortunately I havenot long to live, --the shortest time, in fact, of my whole family, --onlytwenty-eight days. Sometimes they pop me in a day extra; but I troublemyself very little about that. Hurrah!"

"You must not shout so, " said the sentry. 

"Certainly I may shout, " retorted the man. 

"I'm Prince Carnival, traveling under THE NAME OF FEBRUARY. "

The third now got out. He looked the personification of fasting; buthe carried his nose very high, for he was a weather prophet. In hisbuttonhole he wore a little bunch of violets, but they were very small. 

"MARCH, MARCH!" the fourth passenger called after him, slapping himon the shoulder, "don't you smell something good? Make haste into theguard-room, they are feasting in there. I can smell it already! FORWARD, MASTER MARCH!"

But it was not true. The speaker only wanted to make an APRIL FOOL ofhim, for with that fun the fourth stranger generally began his career. He looked very jovial, and did little work. 

"If the world were only more settled!" said he; "but sometimes I'mobliged to be in a good humor, and sometimes a bad one. I can laugh orcry according to circumstances. I have my summer wardrobe in this boxhere, but it would be very foolish to put it on now!"

After him a lady stepped out of the coach. SHE CALLED HERSELF MISS MAY. She wore a summer dress and overshoes. Her dress was light green, andthere were anemones in her hair. She was so scented with wild thyme thatit made the sentry sneeze. 

"Your health, and God bless you!" was her greeting. 

How pretty she was! and such a singer! Not a theater singer nor aballad-singer; no, but a singer of the woods. For she wandered throughthe gay, green forest, and had a concert there for her own amusement. 

"Now comes the young lady, " said those in the coach; and out stepped ayoung dame, delicate, proud, and pretty. IT WAS MISTRESS JUNE. In herservice people become lazy and fond of sleeping for hours. She givesa feast on the longest day of the year, that there may be time for herguests to partake of the numerous dishes at her table. Indeed, she keepsher own carriage, but still she travels by the mail-coach with the restbecause she wishes to show that she is not proud. 

But she was not without a protector; her younger brother, JULY, was withher. He was a plump, young fellow, clad in summer garments, and wearinga straw hat. He had very little luggage because it was so cumbersome inthe great heat. He had, however, swimming-trousers with him, which arenothing to carry. 

Then came the mother herself, MADAME AUGUST, a wholesale dealerin fruit, proprietress of a large number of fish-ponds, and aland-cultivator. She was fat and warm, yet she could use her hands well, and would herself carry out food to the laborers in the field. Afterwork, came the recreations, dancing and playing in the greenwood, andthe "harvest home. " She was a thorough housewife. 

After her a man stepped out of the coach. He is a painter, a master ofcolors, and is NAMED SEPTEMBER. The forest on his arrival has to changeits colors, and how beautiful are those he chooses! The woods glow withred, and gold, and brown. This great master painter can whistle like ablackbird. There he stood with his color-pot in his hand, and that wasthe whole of his luggage. 

A landowner followed, who in the month for sowing seed attends to hisploughing and is fond of field sports. SQUIRE OCTOBER brought his dogand his gun with him, and had nuts in his game-bag. 

"Crack! Crack!" He had a great deal of luggage, even a plough. He spokeof farming, but what he said could scarcely be heard for the coughingand sneezing of his neighbor. 

It WAS NOVEMBER, who coughed violently as he got out. He had a cold, buthe said he thought it would leave him when he went out woodcutting, forhe had to supply wood to the whole parish. He spent his evenings makingskates, for he knew, he said, that in a few weeks they would be needed. 

At length the last passenger made her appearance, --OLD MOTHER DECEMBER!The dame was very aged, but her eyes glistened like two stars. Shecarried on her arm a flower-pot, in which a little fir tree was growing. "This tree I shall guard and cherish, " she said, "that it may grow largeby Christmas Eve, and reach from the floor to the ceiling, to be adornedwith lighted candles, golden apples, and toys. I shall sit by thefireplace, and bring a story-book out of my pocket, and read aloud toall the little children. Then the toys on the tree will become alive, and the little waxen Angel at the top will spread out his wings of goldleaf, and fly down from his green perch. He will kiss every child inthe room, yes, and all the little children who stand out in the streetsinging a carol about the 'Star of Bethlehem. '"

"Well, now the coach may drive away, " said the sentry; "we will keep allthe twelve months here with us. "

"First let the twelve come to me, " said the Captain on duty, "one afteranother. The passports I will keep here, each of them for one month. When that has passed, I shall write the behavior of each stranger on hispassport. MR. JANUARY, have the goodness to come here. "

And MR. JANUARY stepped forward. 

When a year has passed, I think I shall be able to tell you what thetwelve passengers have brought to you, to me, and to all of us. Justnow I do not know, and probably even they do not know themselves, for welive in strange times. 

LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY

(FEBRUARY 12)

HE RESCUES THE BIRDS

BY NOAH BROOKS (ADAPTED)

Once, while riding through the country with some other lawyers, Lincolnwas missed from the party, and was seen loitering near a thicket of wildplum trees where the men had stopped a short time before to water theirhorses. 

"Where is Lincoln?" asked one of the lawyers. 

"When I saw him last, " answered another, "he had caught two young birdsthat the wind had blown out of their nest, and was hunting for the nestto put them back again. "

As Lincoln joined them, the lawyers rallied him on histender-heartedness, and he said:--

"I could not have slept unless I had restored those little birds totheir mother. "

LINCOLN AND THE LITTLE GIRL

BY CHARLES W. MOORES

In the old days, when Lincoln was one of the leading lawyers of theState, he noticed a little girl of ten who stood beside a trunk in frontof her home crying bitterly. He stopped to learn what was wrong, and wastold that she was about to miss a long-promised visit to Decatur becausethe wagon had not come for her. 

"You needn't let that trouble you, " was his cheering reply. "Just comealong with me and we shall make it all right. "

Lifting the trunk upon his shoulder, and taking the little girl by thehand, he went through the streets of Springfield, a half-mile to therailway station, put her and her trunk on the train, and sent her awaywith a happiness in her heart that is still there. 

TRAINING FOR THE PRESIDENCY

BY ORISON SWETT MARDEN

"I meant to take good care of your book, Mr. Crawford, " said the boy, "but I've damaged it a good deal without intending to, and now I want tomake it right with you. What shall I do to make it good?"

"Why, what happened to it, Abe?" asked the rich farmer, as he took thecopy of Weems's "Life of Washington" which he had lent young Lincoln, and looked at the stained leaves and warped binding. "It looks as if ithad been out through all last night's storm. How came you to forget, andleave it out to soak?"

"It was this way, Mr. Crawford, " replied Abe. "I sat up late to readit, and when I went to bed, I put it away carefully in my bookcase, asI call it, a little opening between two logs in the wall of our cabin. Idreamed about General Washington all night. When I woke up I took it outto read a page or two before I did the chores, and you can't imagine howI felt when I found it in this shape. It seems that the mud-daubinghad got out of the weather side of that crack, and the rain must havedripped on it three or four hours before I took it out. I'm sorry, Mr. Crawford, and want to fix it up with you, if you can tell me how, for Ihave not got money to pay for it. "

"Well, " said Mr. Crawford, "come and shuck corn three days, and the book's yours. "

Had Mr. Crawford told young Abraham Lincoln that he had fallen heir toa fortune the boy could hardly have felt more elated. Shuck corn onlythree days, and earn the book that told all about his greatest hero!

"I don't intend to shuck corn, split rails, and the like always, " hetold Mrs. Crawford, after he had read the volume. "I'm going to fitmyself for a profession. "

"Why, what do you want to be, now?" asked Mrs. Crawford in surprise. 

"Oh, I'll be President!" said Abe with a smile. 

"You'd make a pretty President with all your tricks and jokes, now, wouldn't you?" said the farmer's wife. 

"Oh, I'll study and get ready, " replied the boy, "and then maybe thechance will come. "

WHY LINCOLN WAS CALLED "HONEST ABE"

BY NOAH BROOKS

In managing the country store, as in everything that he undertook forothers, Lincoln did his very best. He was honest, civil, ready to doanything that should encourage customers to come to the place, full ofpleasantries, patient, and alert. 

On one occasion, finding late at night, when he counted over his cash, that he had taken a few cents from a customer more than was due, he closed the store, and walked a long distance to make good thedeficiency. 

At another time, discovering on the scales in the morning a weight withwhich he had weighed out a package of tea for a woman the night before, he saw that he had given her too little for her money. He weighed outwhat was due, and carried it to her, much to the surprise of the woman, who had not known that she was short in the amount of her purchase. 

Innumerable incidents of this sort are related of Lincoln, and we shouldnot have space to tell of the alertness with which he sprang to protectdefenseless women from insult, or feeble children from tyranny; for inthe rude community in which he lived, the rights of the defenseless werenot always respected as they should have been. There were bullies then, as now. 

A STRANGER AT FIVE-POINTS

(ADAPTED)

One afternoon in February, 1860, when the Sunday School of theFive-Point House of Industry in New York was assembled, the teachersaw a most remarkable man enter the room and take his place among theothers. This stranger was tall, his frame was gaunt and sinewy, his headpowerful, with determined features overcast by a gentle melancholy. 

He listened with fixed attention to the exercises. His face expressedsuch genuine interest that the teacher, approaching him, suggested thathe might have something to say to the children. 

The stranger accepted the invitation with evident pleasure. Comingforward, he began to speak and at once fascinated every child in theroom. His language was beautiful yet simple, his tones were musical, andhe spoke with deep feeling. 

The faces of the boys and girls drooped sadly as he uttered warnings, and then brightened with joy as he spoke cheerful words of promise. Onceor twice he tried to close his remarks, but the children shouted: "Goon! Oh! do go on!" and he was forced to continue. 

At last he finished his talk and was leaving the room quietly when theteacher begged to know his name. 

"Abra'm Lincoln, of Illinois, " was the modest response. 

A SOLOMON COME TO JUDGMENT

BY CHARLES W. MOORES

Lincoln's practical sense and his understanding of human nature enabledhim to save the life of the son of his old Clary's Grove friend, JackArmstrong, who was on trial for murder. Lincoln, learning of it, wentto the old mother who had been kind to him in the days of his boyhoodpoverty, and promised her that he would get her boy free. 

The witnesses were sure that Armstrong was guilty, and one of themdeclared that he had seen the fatal blow struck. It was late at night, he said, and the light of the full moon had made it possible for him tosee the crime committed. Lincoln, on cross-examination, asked him onlyquestions enough to make the jury see that it was the full moon thatmade it possible for the witness to see what occurred; got him to saytwo or three times that he was sure of it, and seemed to give up anyfurther effort to save the boy. 

But when the evidence was finished, and Lincoln's time came to make hisargument, he called for an almanac, which the clerk of the court hadready for him, and handed it to the jury. They saw at once that on thenight of the murder there was no moon at all. They were satisfied thatthe witness had told what was not true. Lincoln's case was won. 

GEORGE PICKETT'S FRIEND

BY CHARLES W. MOORES

George Pickett, who had known Lincoln in Illinois, years before, joinedthe Southern army, and by his conspicuous bravery and ability had becomeone of the great generals of the Confederacy. Toward the close of thewar, when a large part of Virginia had fallen into the possession of theUnion army, the President called at General Pickett's Virginia home. 

The general's wife, with her baby on her arm, met him at the door. Sheherself has told the story for us. 

"'Is this George Pickett's home?' he asked. 

"With all the courage and dignity I could muster, I replied: 'Yes, and Iam his wife, and this is his baby. '

"'I am Abraham Lincoln. '

"'The President!' I gasped. I had never seen him, but I knew the intenselove and reverence with which my soldier always spoke of him. 

"The stranger shook his head and replied: 'No; Abraham Lincoln, George'sold friend. '

"The baby pushed away from me and reached out his hands to Mr. Lincoln, who took him in his arms. As he did so an expression of rapt, almostdivine tenderness and love lighted up the sad face. It was a look thatI have never seen on any other face. The baby opened his mouth wide andinsisted upon giving his father's friend a dewy kiss. 

"As Mr. Lincoln gave the little one back to me he said: 'Tell yourfather, the rascal, that I forgive him for the sake of your brighteyes. '"

LINCOLN THE LAWYER

BY Z. A. MUDGE (ADAPTED)

He delighted to advocate the cases of those whom he knew to be wronged, but he would not defend the cause of the guilty. If he discovered in thecourse of a trial that he was on the wrong side, he lost all interest, and ceased to make any exertion. 

Once, while engaged in a prosecution, he discovered that his client'scause was not a good one, and he refused to make the plea. Hisassociate, who was less scrupulous, made the plea and obtained adecision in their favor. The fee was nine hundred dollars, half of whichwas tendered to Mr. Lincoln, but he refused to accept a single cent ofit. 

His honesty was strongly illustrated by the way he kept his accountswith his law-partner. When he had taken a fee in the latter's absence, he put one half of it into his own pocket, and laid the other halfcarefully away, labeling it "Billy, " the name by which he familiarlyaddressed his partner. When asked why he did not make a record of theamount and, for the time being, use the whole, Mr. Lincoln answered:"Because I promised my mother never to use money belonging to anotherperson. "

THE COURAGE OF HIS CONVICTIONS

(ADAPTED)

Mr. Lincoln made the great speech of his famous senatorial campaign atSpringfield, Illinois. The convention before which he spoke consistedof a thousand delegates together with the crowd that had gathered withthem. 

His speech was carefully prepared. Every sentence was guarded andemphatic. It has since become famous as "The Divided House" speech. Before entering the hall where it was to be delivered, he stepped intothe office of his law-partner, Mr. Herndon, and, locking the door, sothat their interview might be private, took his manuscript fromhis pocket, and read one of the opening sentences: "I believe thisgovernment cannot endure permanently, half slave and half free. "

Mr. Herndon remarked that the sentiment was true, but suggested that itmight not be GOOD POLICY to utter it at that time. 

Mr. Lincoln replied with great firmness: "No matter about the POLICY. Itis TRUE, and the nation is entitled to it. The proposition has been truefor six thousand years, and I will deliver it as it is written. "

MR. LINCOLN AND THE BIBLE

BY Z. A. MUDGE (ADAPTED)

A visitor in Washington once had an appointment to see Mr. Lincolnat five o'clock in the morning. The gentleman made a hasty toiletand presented himself at a quarter of five in the waiting-room of thePresident. He asked the usher if he could see Mr. Lincoln. 

"No, " he replied. 

"But I have an engagement to meet him this morning, " answered thevisitor. 

"At what hour?" asked the usher. 

"At five o'clock. "

"Well, sir, he will see you at five. "

The visitor waited patiently, walking to and fro for a few minutes, whenhe heard a voice as if in grave conversation. 

"Who is talking in the next room?" he asked. 

"It is the President, sir, " said the usher, who then explained thatit was Mr. Lincoln's custom to spend every morning from four to fivereading the Scriptures, and praying. 

HIS SPRINGFIELD FAREWELL ADDRESS

It was on the morning of February 11, 1861, that the President-elect, together with his family and a small party of friends, bade adieu to thecity of Springfield, which, alas! he was never to see again. 

A large throng of Springfield citizens assembled at the railway stationto see the departure, and before the train left Mr. Lincoln addressedthem in the following words:--

"MY FRIENDS: No one, not in my position, can appreciate the sadness Ifeel at this parting. To this people I owe all that I am. Here I havelived more than a quarter of a century; here my children were born, andhere one of them lies buried. I know not how soon I shall see you again. A duty devolves upon me which is, perhaps, greater than that which hasdevolved upon any other man since the days of Washington. He never wouldhave succeeded except by the aid of Divine Providence, upon which he atall times relied. I feel that I cannot succeed without the same Divineaid which sustained him, and on the same Almighty Being I place myreliance for support; and I hope you, my friends, will all pray that Imay receive that Divine assistance, without which I cannot succeed, but with which success is certain. Again I bid you an affectionatefarewell. "

SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY

(FEBRUARY 14)

SAINT VALENTINE

The good Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in the days of ClaudiusII. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs, and for this kinddeed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect ofRome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have hishead cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, aboutthe year 270. 

At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom, indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honor ofa heathen god. 

On these occasions, amidst a variety of pagan ceremonies, the names ofyoung women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the menas chance directed. 

The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavored to do awaywith the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names ofsaints for those of maidens. And as the Lupercalia began about themiddle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine'sDay for the celebration of this new feast. 

So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens forvalentines, or saints as patrons for the coming year, arose in thiswise. 

A PRISONER'S VALENTINE

BY MILLICENT OLMSTED (ADAPTED)

Charles, Duke of Orleans, who was taken prisoner at the battle ofAgincourt in 1415, and detained in England twenty-five years, was theauthor of the earliest known written valentines. He left about sixty ofthem. They were written during his confinement in the Tower of London, and are still to be seen among the royal papers in the British Museum. 

One of his valentines reads as follows:--

 "Wilt thou be mine? dear Love, reply-- Sweetly consent or else deny. Whisper softly, none shall know, Wilt thou be mine, Love?--aye or no?

 "Spite of Fortune, we may be Happy by one word from thee. Life flies swiftly--ere it go Wilt thou be mine, Love?--aye or no?"

A GIRL'S VALENTINE CHARM

AS TOLD BY HERSELF

(FROM THE CONNOISSEUR, 1775)

Last Friday was Valentine's Day, and I'll tell you what I did the nightbefore. I got five bay leaves, and pinned four of them to the fourcorners of my pillow, and the fifth to the middle; and then if I dreamtof my sweetheart, Betty said we would be married before the year wasout. 

But to make it more sure, I boiled an egg hard, and took out the yolk, and filled it with salt, and when I went to bed ate it, shell and all, without speaking or drinking after it. 

We also wrote our lovers' names upon bits of paper, and rolled them upin clay and put them into water; and the first that rose up was to beour valentine. Would you think it? Mr. Blossom was my man, and I layabed and shut my eyes all the morning, till he came to our house, for Iwould not have seen another man before him for all the world. 

MR. PEPYS HIS VALENTINE

AS RELATED BY HIMSELF IN 1666

(ADAPTED)

This morning, came up to my wife's bedside, I being up dressing myself, little Will Mercer, to be her valentine; and brought her name writ uponblue paper in gold letters, done by himself, very pretty; and we wereboth well pleased with it. 

But I am also this year my wife's valentine; and it will cost me fivepounds; but that I must have laid out if we had not been valentines. 

I find also that Mrs. Pierce's little girl is my valentine, she havingdrawn me; which I am not sorry for, it easing me of something more thatI must have given to others. 

But here I do first observe the fashion of drawing of mottoes as well asnames; so that Pierce, who drew my wife, did draw also a motto, and thisgirl drew another for me. What mine was I have forgot, but my wife'swas: "Most virtuous and most fair, " which, as it may be used, or ananagram made upon each name, might be; very pretty. 

CUPID AND PSYCHE

BY JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY

THE ENCHANTED PALACE

Once upon a time, through that Destiny that overrules the gods, Lovehimself gave up his immortal heart to a mortal maiden. And thus it cameto pass:--

There was a certain king who had three beautiful daughters. The twoelder married princes of great renown; but Psyche, the youngest, was soradiantly fair that no suitor seemed worthy of her. People throngedto see her pass through the city, and sang hymns in her praise, whilestrangers took her for the very goddess of beauty herself. 

This angered Venus, and she resolved to cast down her earthly rival. Oneday, therefore, she called hither her son, Love (Cupid, some name him), and bade him sharpen his weapons. He is an archer more to be dreadedthan Apollo, for Apollo's arrows take life, but Love's bring joy orsorrow for a whole life long. 

"Come, Love, " said Venus. "There is a mortal maid who robs me of myhonors in yonder city. Avenge your mother. Wound this precious Psyche, and let her fall in love with some churlish creature mean in the eyes ofall men. "

Cupid made ready his weapons, and flew down to earth invisibly. At thatmoment Psyche was asleep in her chamber; but he touched her heart withhis golden arrow of love, and she opened her eyes so suddenly that hestarted (forgetting that he was invisible), and wounded himself withhis own shaft. Heedless of the hurt, moved only by the loveliness of themaiden, he hastened to pour over her locks the healing joy that he everkept by him, undoing all his work. Back to her dream the princess went, unshadowed by any thought of love. But Cupid, not so light of heart, returned to the heavens, saying not a word of what had passed. 

Venus waited long; then, seeing that Psyche's heart had somehow escapedlove, she sent a spell upon the maiden. From that time, lovely as shewas, not a suitor came to woo; and her parents, who desired to see her aqueen at least, made a journey to the Oracle, and asked counsel. 

Said the voice: "The Princess Psyche shall never wed a mortal. She shallbe given to one who waits for her on yonder mountain; he overcomes godsand men. "

At this terrible sentence the poor parents were half-distraught, andthe people gave themselves up to grief at the fate in store for theirbeloved princess. Psyche alone bowed to her destiny. "We have angeredVenus unwittingly, " she said, "and all for sake of me, heedless maidenthat I am! Give me up, therefore, dear father and mother. If I atone, itmay be that the city will prosper once more. "

So she besought them, until, after many unavailing denials, the parentsconsented; and with a great company of people they led Psyche upthe mountain, --as an offering to the monster of whom the Oracle hadspoken, --and left her there alone. 

Full of courage, yet in a secret agony of grief, she watched her kindredand her people wind down the mountain-path, too sad to look back, untilthey were lost to sight. Then, indeed, she wept, but a sudden breezedrew near, dried her tears, and caressed her hair, seeming to murmurcomfort. In truth, it was Zephyr, the kindly West Wind, come to befriendher; and as she took heart, feeling some benignant presence, he liftedher in his arms, and carried her on wings as even as a sea-gull's, overthe crest of the fateful mountain and into a valley below. There he lefther, resting on a bank of hospitable grass, and there the princess fellasleep. 

When she awoke, it was near sunset. She looked about her for some signof the monster's approach; she wondered, then, if her grievous trial hadbeen but a dream. Near by she saw a sheltering forest, whose youngtrees seemed to beckon as one maid beckons to another; and eager for theprotection of the dryads, she went thither. 

The call of running waters drew her farther and farther, till shecame out upon an open place, where there was a wide pool. A fountainfluttered gladly in the midst of it, and beyond there stretched a whitepalace wonderful to see. Coaxed by the bright promise of the place, shedrew near, and, seeing no one, entered softly. It was all kinglier thanher father's home, and as she stood in wonder and awe, soft airs stirredabout her. Little by little the silence grew murmurous like the woods, and one voice, sweeter than the rest, took words. "All that you see isyours, gentle high princess, " it said. "Fear nothing; only command us, for we are here to serve you. "

Full of amazement and delight, Psyche followed the voice from hall tohall, and through the lordly rooms, beautiful with everything that coulddelight a young princess. No pleasant thing was lacking. There was evena pool, brightly tiled and fed with running waters, where she bathed herweary limbs; and after she had put on the new and beautiful raiment thatlay ready for her, she sat down to break her fast, waited upon and sungto by the unseen spirits. 

Surely he whom the Oracle had called her husband was no monster, butsome beneficent power, invisible like all the rest. When daylight wanedhe came, and his voice, the beautiful voice of a god, inspired her totrust her strange destiny and to look and long for his return. Oftenshe begged him to stay with her through the day, that she might see hisface; but this he would not grant. 

"Never doubt me, dearest Psyche, " said he. "Perhaps you would fear ifyou saw me, and love is all I ask. There is a necessity that keeps mehidden now. Only believe. "

So for many days Psyche was content; but when she grew used tohappiness, she thought once more of her parents mourning her as lost, and of her sisters who shared the lot of mortals while she lived as agoddess. One night she told her husband of these regrets, and beggedthat her sisters at least might come to see her. He sighed, but did notrefuse. 

"Zephyr shall bring them hither, " said he. And on the following morning, swift as a bird, the West Wind came over the crest of the high mountainand down into the enchanted valley, bearing her two sisters. 

They greeted Psyche with joy and amazement, hardly knowing how they hadcome hither. But when this fairest of the sisters led them through herpalace and showed them all the treasures that were hers, envy grew intheir hearts and choked their old love. Even while they sat at feastwith her, they grew more and more bitter; and hoping to find some littleflaw in her good fortune, they asked a thousand questions. 

"Where is your husband?" said they. "And why is he not here with you?"

"Ah, " stammered Psyche. "All the day long--he is gone, hunting upon themountains. "

"But what does he look like?" they asked; and Psyche could find noanswer. 

When they learned that she had never seen him, they laughed her faith toscorn. 

"Poor Psyche, " they said. "You are walking in a dream. Wake, before itis too late. Have you forgotten what the Oracle decreed, --that you weredestined for a dreadful creature, the fear of gods and men? And areyou deceived by this show of kindliness? We have come to warn you. Thepeople told us, as we came over the mountain, that your husband isa dragon, who feeds you well for the present, that he may feast thebetter, some day soon. What is it that you trust? Good words! But onlytake a dagger some night, and when the monster is asleep go, light alamp, and look at him. You can put him to death easily, and all hisriches will be yours--and ours. "

Psyche heard this wicked plan with horror. Nevertheless, after hersisters were gone, she brooded over what they had said, not seeing theirevil intent; and she came to find some wisdom in their words. Littleby little, suspicion ate, like a moth, into her lovely mind; andat nightfall, in shame and fear, she hid a lamp and a dagger in herchamber. Towards midnight, when her husband was fast asleep, up sherose, hardly daring to breathe; and coming softly to his side, sheuncovered the lamp to see some horror. 

But there the youngest of the gods lay sleeping, --most beautiful, mostirresistible of all immortals. His hair shone golden as the sun, hisface was radiant as dear Springtime, and from his shoulders sprang tworainbow wings. 

Poor Psyche was overcome with self-reproach. As she leaned towards him, filled with worship, her trembling hands held the lamp ill, and someburning oil fell upon Love's shoulder and awakened him. 

He opened his eyes, to see at once his bride and the dark suspicion inher heart. 

"O doubting Psyche!" he exclaimed with sudden grief, --and then he flewaway, out of the window. 

Wild with sorrow, Psyche tried to follow, but she fell to the groundinstead. When she recovered her senses, she stared about her. She wasalone, and the place was beautiful no longer. Garden and palace hadvanished with Love. 

THE TRIAL OF PSYCHE:

Over mountains and valleys Psyche journeyed alone until she came to thecity where her two envious sisters lived with the princes whom they hadmarried. She stayed with them only long enough to tell the story of herunbelief and its penalty. Then she set out again to search for Love. 

As she wandered one day, travel-worn but not hopeless, she saw a loftypalace on a hill near by, and she turned her steps thither. The placeseemed deserted. Within the hall she saw no human being, --only heapsof grain, loose ears of corn half torn from the husk, wheat and barley, alike scattered in confusion on the floor. Without delay, she set towork binding the sheaves together and gathering the scattered ears ofcorn in seemly wise, as a princess would wish to see them. While shewas in the midst of her task, a voice startled her, and she looked upto behold Demeter herself, the goddess of the harvest, smiling upon herwith good will. 

"Dear Psyche, " said Demeter, "you are worthy of happiness, and you mayfind it yet. But since you have displeased Venus, go to her and ask herfavor. Perhaps your patience will win her pardon. "

These motherly words gave Psyche heart, and she reverently took leave ofthe goddess and set out for the temple of Venus. Most humbly she offeredup her prayer, but Venus could not look at her earthly beauty withoutanger. 

"Vain girl, " said she, "perhaps you have come to make amends for thewound you dealt your husband; you shall do so. Such clever people canalways find work!"

Then she led Psyche into a great chamber heaped high with mingled grain, beans, and lentils (the food of her doves), and bade her separate themall and have them ready in seemly fashion by night. Heracles would havebeen helpless before such a vexatious task; and poor Psyche, left alonein this desert of grain, had not courage to begin. But even as she satthere, a moving thread of black crawled across the floor from a crevicein the wall; and bending nearer, she saw that a great army of ants incolumns had come to her aid. The zealous little creatures worked inswarms, with such industry over the work they like best, that, whenVenus came at night, she found the task completed. 

"Deceitful girl, " she cried, shaking the roses out of her hair withimpatience, "this is my son's work, not yours. But he will soon forgetyou. Eat this black bread if you are hungry, and refresh your dull mindwith sleep. To-morrow you will need more wit. "

Psyche wondered what new misfortune could be in store for her. But whenmorning came, Venus led her to the brink of a river, and, pointing tothe wood across the water, said: "Go now to yonder grove where the sheepwith the golden fleece are wont to browse. Bring me a golden lock fromevery one of them, or you must go your ways and never come back again. "

This seemed not difficult, and Psyche obediently bade the goddessfarewell, and stepped into the water, ready to wade across. But as Venusdisappeared, the reeds sang louder and the nymphs of the river, lookingup sweetly, blew bubbles to the surface and murmured: "Nay, nay, have acare, Psyche. This flock has not the gentle ways of sheep. While thesun burns aloft, they are themselves as fierce as flame; but when theshadows are long, they go to rest and sleep, under the trees; and youmay cross the river without fear and pick the golden fleece off thebriers in the pasture. "

Thanking the water-creatures, Psyche sat down to rest near them, andwhen the time came, she crossed in safety and followed their counsel. Bytwilight she returned to Venus with her arms full of shining fleece. 

"No mortal wit did this, " said Venus angrily. "But if you care to proveyour readiness, go now, with this little box, down to Proserpina and askher to enclose in it some of her beauty, for I have grown pale in caringfor my wounded son. "

It needed not the last taunt to sadden Psyche. She knew that it was notfor mortals to go into Hades and return alive; and feeling that Love hadforsaken her, she was minded to accept her doom as soon as might be. 

But even as she hastened towards the descent, another friendly voicedetained her. "Stay, Psyche, I know your grief. Only give ear and youshall learn a safe way through all these trials. " And the voice went onto tell her how one might avoid all the dangers of Hades and come outunscathed. (But such a secret could not pass from mouth to mouth, withthe rest of the story. )

"And be sure, " added the voice, "when Proserpina has returned the box, not to open it, ever much you may long to do so. "

Psyche gave heed, and by this device, whatever it was, she found her wayinto Hades safely, and made her errand known to Proserpina, and was soonin the upper world again, wearied but hopeful. 

"Surely Love has not forgotten me, " she said. "But humbled as I am andworn with toil, how shall I ever please him? Venus can never need allthe beauty in this casket; and since I use it for Love's sake, it mustbe right to take some. " So saying, she opened the box, heedless asPandora! The spells and potions of Hades are not for mortal maids, andno sooner had she inhaled the strange aroma than she fell down like onedead, quite overcome. 

But it happened that Love himself was recovered from his wound, and hehad secretly fled from his chamber to seek out and rescue Psyche. He found her lying by the wayside; he gathered into the casket whatremained of the philter, and awoke his beloved. 

"Take comfort, " he said, smiling. "Return to our mother and do herbidding till I come again. "

Away he flew; and while Psyche went cheerily homeward, he hastened up toOlympus, where all the gods sat feasting, and begged them to intercedefor him with his angry mother. 

They heard his story and their hearts were touched. Zeus himself coaxedVenus with kind words till at last she relented, and remembered thatanger hurt her beauty, and smiled once more. All the younger gods werefor welcoming Psyche at once, and Hermes was sent to bring her hither. The maiden came, a shy newcomer among those bright creatures. She tookthe cup that Hebe held out to her, drank the divine ambrosia, and becameimmortal. 

Light came to her face like moonrise, two radiant wings sprang from hershoulders; and even as a butterfly bursts from its dull cocoon, so thehuman Psyche blossomed into immortality. 

Love took her by the hand, and they were never parted any more. 

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY

(FEBRUARY 22)

THREE OLD TALES

BY M. L. WEEMS (ADAPTED)

I. THE CHERRY TREE

When George was about six years old, he was made the wealthy master of ahatchet of which, like most little boys, he was extremely fond. He wentabout chopping everything that came his way. 

One day, as he wandered about the garden amusing himself by hacking hismother's pea-sticks, he found a beautiful, young English cherry tree, ofwhich his father was most proud. He tried the edge of his hatchet on thetrunk of the tree and barked it so that it died. 

Some time after this, his father discovered what had happened to hisfavorite tree. He came into the house in great anger, and demanded toknow who the mischievous person was who had cut away the bark. Nobodycould tell him anything about it. 

Just then George, with his little hatchet, came into the room. 

"George, " said his father, "do you know who has killed my beautifullittle cherry tree yonder in the garden? I would not have taken fiveguineas for it!"

This was a hard question to answer, and for a moment George wasstaggered by it, but quickly recovering himself he cried:--

"I cannot tell a lie, father, you know I cannot tell a lie! I did cut itwith my little hatchet. "

The anger died out of his father's face, and taking the boy tenderly inhis arms, he said:--

"My son, that you should not be afraid to tell the truth is more to methan a thousand trees! yes, though they were blossomed with silver andhad leaves of the purest gold!"

II. THE APPLE ORCHARD

One fine morning in the autumn Mr. Washington, taking little George bythe hand, walked with him to the apple orchard, promising that he wouldshow him a fine sight. 

On arriving at the orchard they saw a fine sight, indeed! The greengrass under the trees was strewn with red-cheeked apples, and yet thetrees were bending under the weight of fruit that hung thick among theleaves. 

"Now, George, " said his father, "look, my son, see all this rich harvestof fruit! Do you remember when your good cousin brought you a fine, large apple last spring, how you refused to divide it with yourbrothers? And yet I told you then that, if you would be generous, Godwould give you plenty of apples this autumn. "

Poor George could not answer, but hanging down his head looked quiteconfused, while with his little, naked, bare feet he scratched in thesoft ground. 

"Now, look up, my son, " continued his father, "and see how the blessedGod has richly provided us with these trees loaded with the finestfruit. See how abundant is the harvest. Some of the trees are bendingbeneath their burdens, while the ground is covered with mellow apples, more than you could eat, my son, in all your lifetime. "

George looked in silence on the orchard, he marked the busy, hummingbees, and heard the gay notes of the birds fluttering from tree to tree. His eyes filled with tears and he answered softly:--

"Truly, father, I never will be selfish any more. "

III. THE GARDEN-BED

One day Mr. Washington went into the garden and dug a little bed ofearth and prepared it for seed. He then took a stick and traced on thebed George's name in full. After this he strewed the tracing thicklywith seeds, and smoothed all over nicely with his roller. 

This garden-bed he purposely prepared close to a gooseberry-walk. Thebushes were hung with the ripe fruit, and he knew that George wouldvisit them every morning. 

Not many days had passed away when one morning George came runninginto the house, breathless with excitement, and his eyes shining withhappiness. 

"Come here! father, come here!" he cried. 

"What's the matter, my son?" asked his father. 

"O come, father, " answered George, "and I'll show you such a sight asyou have never seen in all your lifetime. "

Mr. Washington gave the boy his hand, which he seized with greateagerness. He led his father straight to the garden-bed, whereon inlarge letters, in lines of soft green, was written:--

GEORGE WASHINGTON

YOUNG GEORGE AND THE COLT

BY HORACE E. SCUDDER

There is a story told of George Washington's boyhood, --unfortunatelythere are not many stories, --which is to the point. His father had takena great deal of pride in his blooded horses, and his mother afterwardtook pains to keep the stock pure. She had several young horses thathad not yet been broken, and one of them in particular, a sorrel, wasextremely spirited. No one had been able to do anything with it, and itwas pronounced thoroughly vicious as people are apt to pronounce horseswhich they have not learned to master. 

George was determined to ride this colt, and told his companions that ifthey would help him catch it, he would ride and tame it. 

Early in the morning they set out for the pasture, where the boysmanaged to surround the sorrel, and then to put a bit into its mouth. Washington sprang upon its back, the boys dropped the bridle, and awayflew the angry animal. 

Its rider at once began to command. The horse resisted, backing aboutthe field, rearing and plunging. The boys became thoroughly alarmed, but Washington kept his seat, never once losing his self-control or hismastery of the colt. 

The struggle was a sharp one; when suddenly, as if determined to riditself of its rider, the creature leaped into the air with a tremendousbound. It was its last. The violence burst a blood-vessel, and the noblehorse fell dead. 

Before the boys could sufficiently recover to consider how they shouldextricate themselves from the scrape, they were called to breakfast;and the mistress of the house, knowing that they had been in the fields, began to ask after her stock. 

"Pray, young gentlemen, " said she, "have you seen my blooded colts inyour rambles? I hope they are well taken care of. My favorite, I amtold, is as large as his sire. "

The boys looked at one another, and no one liked to speak. Of course themother repeated her question. 

"The sorrel is dead, madam, " said her son, "I killed him. "

And then he told the whole story. They say that his mother flushed withanger, as her son often used to, and then, like him, controlled herself, and presently said, quietly:--

"It is well; but while I regret the loss of my favorite, I rejoice in myson who always speaks the truth. "

WASHINGTON THE ATHLETE

BY ALBERT F. BLAISDELL AND FRANCIS E. BALL

Many stories are told of the mighty power of Washington's right arm. Itis said that he once threw a stone from the bed of the stream to the topof the Natural Bridge, in Virginia. 

Again, we are told that once upon a time he rounded a piece of slateto the size of a silver dollar, and threw it across the Rappahannockat Fredericksburg, the slate falling at least thirty feet on the otherside. Many strong men have since tried the same feat, but have nevercleared the water. 

Peale, who was called the soldier-artist, was once visiting Washingtonat Mount Vernon. One day, he tells us, some athletic young men werepitching the iron bar in the presence of their host. Suddenly, withouttaking off his coat, Washington grasped the bar and hurled it, withlittle effort, much farther than any of them had done. 

"We were, indeed, amazed, " said one of the young men, "as we stoodround, all stripped to the buff, and having thought ourselves veryclever fellows, while the Colonel, on retiring, pleasantly said:--

"'When you beat my pitch, young gentlemen, I'll try again. '"

At another time, Washington witnessed a wrestling-match. The champion ofthe day challenged him, in sport, to wrestle. Washington did not stop totake off his coat, but grasped the "strong man of Virginia. " It wasall over in a moment, for, said the wrestler, "In Washington's lionlikegrasp I became powerless, and was hurled to the ground with a force thatseemed to jar the very marrow in my bones. "

In the days of the Revolution, some of the riflemen and the backwoodsmenwere men of gigantic strength, but it was generally believed by goodjudges that their commander-in-chief was the strongest man in the army. 

WASHINGTON'S MODESTY

BY HENRY CABOT LODGE (ADAPTED)

Washington as soon as Fort Duquesne had fallen hurried home, resignedhis commission, and was married. The sunshine and glitter of thewedding day must have appeared to Washington deeply appropriate, forhe certainly seemed to have all that heart of man could desire. Justtwenty-seven, in the first flush of young manhood, keen of sense and yetwise in experience, life must have looked very fair and smiling. He hadleft the army with a well-earned fame, and had come home to take thewife of his choice, and enjoy the good will and respect of all men. 

While away on his last campaign he had been elected a member ofthe House of Burgesses, and when he took his seat, on removing toWilliamsburg, three months after his marriage, Mr. Robinson, theSpeaker, thanked him publicly in eloquent words for his services to thecountry. 

Washington rose to reply, but he was so utterly unable to talk abouthimself that he stood before the House stammering and blushing until theSpeaker said:--

"Sit down, Mr. Washington, your modesty equals your valor, and thatsurpasses the power of any language I possess. "

WASHINGTON AT YORKTOWN

BY HENRY CABOT LODGE

During the assault Washington stood in an embrasure of the grandbattery, watching the advance of the men. He was always given toexposing himself recklessly when there was fighting to be done, but notwhen he was only an observer. 

This night, however, he was much exposed to the enemy's fire. One of hisaides, anxious and disturbed for his safety, told him that the place wasperilous. 

"If you think so, " was the quiet answer, "you are at liberty to stepback. "

The moment was too exciting, too fraught with meaning, to think ofperil. The old fighting spirit of Braddock's field was unchained for thelast time. He would have liked to head the American assault, sword inhand, and as he could not do that, he stood as near his troops as hecould, utterly regardless of the bullets whistling in the air about him. Who can wonder at his intense excitement at that moment?

Others saw a brilliant storming of two out-works, but to Washington thewhole Revolution and all the labor and thought and conflict of six yearswere culminating in the smoke and din on those redoubts, while out ofthe dust and heat of the sharp, quick fight success was coming. 

He had waited long, and worked hard, and his whole soul went out as hewatched the troops cross the abatis and scale the works. He could haveno thought of danger then, and when all was over, he turned to Knox andsaid:--

"The work is done, and well done. Bring me my horse. "

RESURRECTION DAY (EASTER)

(MARCH OR APRIL)

A LESSON OF FAITH

BY MRS. ALFRED GATTY (ADAPTED)

"Let me hire you as a nurse for my poor children, " said a butterfly toa quiet caterpillar, who was strolling along a cabbage-leaf in her odd, lumbering fashion. 

"See these little eggs, " continued the butterfly; "I do not know howlong it will be before they come to life, and I feel very sick. If Ishould die, who will take care of my baby butterflies when I am gone?Will you, kind, mild, green caterpillar? They cannot, of course, liveon your rough food. You must give them early dew, and honey from theflowers, and you must let them fly about only a little way at first. Dear me! it is a sad pity that you cannot fly yourself. Dear, dear! Icannot think what made me come and lay my eggs on a cabbage-leaf! Whata place for young butterflies to be bore upon! Here, take this gold-dustfrom my wings as a reward. Oh, how dizzy I am! Caterpillar! you willremember about the food--"

And with these words the butterfly drooped her wings and died. The greencaterpillar, who had not had the opportunity of even saying "yes"or "no" to the request, was left standing alone by the side of thebutterfly's eggs. 

"A pretty nurse she has chosen, indeed, poor lady!" exclaimed she, "anda pretty business I have in hand. Why did she ever ask a poor crawlingcreature like me to bring up her dainty little ones! Much they'll mindme, truly, when they feel the gay wings on their backs, and can flyaway. "

However, the poor butterfly was dead, and there lay the eggs on thecabbage-leaf, and the green caterpillar had a kind heart, so sheresolved to do her best. 

"But two heads are better than one, " said she; "I will consult some wiseanimal on the matter. "

Then she thought and thought till at last she thought of the lark, andshe fancied that because he went up so high, and nobody knew where hewent to, he must be very clever and know a great deal. 

Now in the neighboring cornfield there lived a lark, and the caterpillarsent a message to him, begging him to come and talk to her. When he cameshe told him all her difficulties, and asked him how she was to feed andrear the little butterfly creatures. 

"Perhaps you will be able to inquire and learn something about it thenext time you go up high, " said the caterpillar timidly. 

"Perhaps I can, " answered the lark; and then he went singing upwardsinto the bright, blue sky, till the green caterpillar could not hear asound, nor could she see him any more. So she began to walk round thebutterfly's eggs, nibbling a bit of the cabbage-leaf now and then as shemoved along. 

"What a time the lark has been gone!" she cried at last. "I wonder wherehe is just now. He must have flown higher than usual this time. How Ishould like to know where he goes, and what he hears in that curiousblue sky! He always sings going up and coming down, but he never letsany secret out. "

And the green caterpillar took another turn round the butterfly's eggs. 

At last the lark's voice began to be heard again. The caterpillar almostjumped for joy, and it was not long before she saw her friend descendwith hushed note to the cabbage bed. 

"News, news, glorious news, friend caterpillar!" sang the lark, "but theworst of it is, you won't believe me!"

"I believe anything I am told, " said the caterpillar hastily. 

"Well, then, first of all, I will tell you what those little creaturesare to eat"--and the lark nodded his head toward the eggs. "What do youthink it is to be? Guess!"

"Dew and honey out of the flowers, I am afraid!" sighed the caterpillar. 

"No such thing, my good friend, " cried the lark exultantly; "you are tofeed them with cabbage-leaves!"

"Never!" said the caterpillar indignantly. 

"It was their mother's last request that I should feed them on dew andhoney. "

"Their mother knew nothing about the matter, " answered the lark; "butwhy do you ask me, and then disbelieve what I say? You have neitherfaith nor trust. "

"Oh, I believe everything I am told, " said the caterpillar. 

"Nay, but you do not, " replied the lark. 

"Why, caterpillar, what do you think those little eggs will turn out tobe?"

"Butterflies, to be sure, " said the caterpillar. 

"CATERPILLARS!" sang the lark; "and you'll find it out in time. " And thelark flew away. 

"I thought the lark was wise and kind, " said the mild, green caterpillarto herself, once more beginning to walk round the eggs, "but I find thathe is foolish and saucy instead. Perhaps he went up TOO high this time. How I wonder what he sees, and what he does up yonder!"

"I would tell you if you would believe me, " sang the lark, descendingonce more. 

"I believe everything I am told, " answered the caterpillar. 

"Then I'll tell you something else, " cried the lark. "YOU WILL ONE DAYBE A BUTTERFLY YOURSELF!"

"Wretched bird, " exclaimed the caterpillar, "you are making fun of me. You are now cruel as well as foolish! Go away! I will ask your advice nomore. "

"I told you you would not believe me, " cried the lark. 

"I believe everything I am told, " persisted thecaterpillar, --"everything that it is REASONABLE to believe. But to tellme that butterflies' eggs are caterpillars, and that caterpillars leaveoff crawling and get wings and become butterflies!--Lark! you do notbelieve such nonsense yourself! You know it is impossible!"

"I know no such thing, " said the lark. "When I hover over thecornfields, or go up into the depths of the sky, I see so many wonderfulthings that I know there must be more. O caterpillar! it is because youCRAWL, and never get beyond your cabbage-leaf, that you call anythingIMPOSSIBLE. "

"Nonsense, " shouted the caterpillar, "I know what's possible and what'simpossible. Look at my long, green body, and many legs, and then talk tome about having wings! Fool!"

"More foolish you!" cried the indignant lark, "to attempt to reasonabout what you cannot understand. Do you not hear how my song swellswith rejoicing as I soar upwards to the mysterious wonder-world above?Oh, caterpillar, what comes from thence, receive as I do, --on trust. "

"What do you mean by that?" asked the caterpillar. 

"ON FAITH, " answered the lark. 

"How am I to learn faith?" asked the caterpillar. 

At that moment she felt something at her side. She looked round, --eightor ten little green caterpillars were moving about, and had already madea hole in the cabbage-leaf. They had broken from the butterfly's eggs!

Shame and amazement filled the green caterpillar's heart, but joy soonfollowed. For as the first wonder was possible, the second might be sotoo. 

"Teach me your lesson, lark, " she cried. 

And the lark sang to her of the wonders of the earth below and of theheaven above. And the caterpillar talked all the rest of her life of thetime when she should become a butterfly. 

But no one believed her. She nevertheless had learned the lark's lessonof faith, and when she was going into her chrysalis, she said:--

"I shall be a butterfly some day!"

But her relations thought her head was wandering, and they said, "Poorthing!"

And when she was a butterfly, and was going to die she said:--

"I have known many wonders, --I HAVE FAITH, --I can trust even now for thewonder that shall come next. "

A CHILD'S DREAM OF A STAR

BY CHARLES DICKENS

There was once a child, and he strolled about a good deal, and thoughtof a number of things. He had a sister, who was a child, too, and hisconstant companion. These two used to wonder all day long. They wonderedat the beauty of the flowers; they wondered at the height and bluenessof the sky; they wondered at the depth of the bright water; theywondered at the goodness and the power of God who made the lovely world. 

They used to say to one another, sometimes: "Supposing all the childrenupon earth were to die, would the flowers, and the water, and the skybe sorry?" They believed they would be sorry. "For, " said they, "the budsare the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams thatgambol down the hillsides are the children of the water; and thesmallest, bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grievedto see their playmates, the children of men, no more. "

There was one clear, shining star that used to come out in the skybefore the rest, near the church spire, above the graves. It was largerand more beautiful, they thought, than all the others, and every nightthey watched for it, standing hand in hand at a window. Whoever sawit first cried out: "I see the star!" And often they cried out bothtogether, knowing so well when it would rise, and where. So they grewto be such friends with it, that, before lying down in their beds, theyalways looked out once again, to bid it good-night; and when they wereturning round to sleep, they used to say: "God bless the star!"

But while she was still very young, oh, very, very young, the sisterdrooped, and came to be so weak that she could no longer stand in thewindow at night; and then the child looked sadly out by himself, andwhen he saw the star turned round and said to the patient, pale face onthe bed: "I see the star!" and then a smile would come upon the face, and a little weak voice used to say: "God bless my brother and thestar!"

And so the time came all too soon, when the child looked out alone, andwhen there was no face on the bed; and when there was a little graveamong the graves, not there before; and when the star made long raysdown towards him, as he saw it through his tears. 

Now, these rays were so bright, and they seemed to make such a shiningway from earth to heaven, that when the child went to his solitary bedhe dreamed about the star; and dreamed that, lying where he was, he sawa train of people taken up that sparkling road by angels. And the star, opening, showed him a great world of light, where many more such angelswaited to receive them. 

All these angels, who were waiting, turned their beaming eyes upon thepeople who were carried up into the star; and some came out from thelong rows in which they stood, and fell upon the people's necks, andkissed them tenderly, and went away with them down avenues of light, andwere so happy in their company, that lying in his bed he wept for joy. 

But there were many angels who did not go with them, and among themone he knew. The patient face, that once had lain upon the bed, wasglorified and radiant, but his heart found out his sister among all thehost. 

His sister's angel lingered near the entrance of the star, and said tothe leader among those who had brought the people thither:--

"Is my brother come?"

And he said: "No. "

She was turning hopefully away, when the child stretched out his arms, and cried: "O sister, I am here! Take me!" And then she turned herbeaming eyes upon him, and it was night; and the star was shining intothe room, making long rays down towards him, as he saw it through histears. 

From that hour forth, the child looked out upon the star as on the homehe was to go to when his time should come; and he thought that he didnot belong to the earth alone, but to the star, too, because of hissister's angel gone before. 

There was a baby born to be a brother to the child; and while he was solittle that he never yet had spoken word, he stretched his tiny form outon his bed, and died. 

Again the child dreamed of the open star, and of the company of angels, and the train of people, and the rows of angels with their beaming eyesall turned upon those people's faces. 

Said his sister's angel to the leader:--

"Is my brother come?"

And he said: "Not that one, but another. "

As the child beheld his brother's angel in her arms, he cried: "Osister, I am here! Take me!" And she turned and smiled upon him, and thestar was shining. 

He grew to be a young man, and was busy at his books, when an oldservant came to him and said:--

"Thy mother is no more. I bring her blessing on her darling son. "

Again at night he saw the star, and all that former company. Said hissister's angel to the leader:--

"Is my brother come?"

And he said: "Thy mother!"

A mighty cry of joy went forth through all the star, because the motherwas reunited to her two children. And he stretched out his arms andcried: "O mother, sister, and brother, I am here! Take me!" And theyanswered him: "Not yet. " And the star was shining. 

He grew to be a man, whose hair was turning gray, and he was sitting inhis chair by the fireside, heavy with grief, and with his face bedewedwith tears, when the star opened once again. 

Said his sister's angel to the leader:--

"Is my brother come?"

And he said: "Nay, but his maiden daughter. "

And the man, who had been the child, saw his daughter, newly lost tohim, a celestial creature among those three, and he said: "My daughter'shead is on my sister's bosom, and her arm is around my mother's neck, and at her feet there is the baby of old time, and I can bear theparting from her, God be praised!"

And the star was shining. 

Thus the child came to be an old man, and his once smooth face waswrinkled, and his steps were slow and feeble, and his back was bent. Andone night as he lay upon his bed, his children standing round, he cried, as he had cried so long ago:--

"I see the star!"

They whispered one to another: "He is dying. "

And he said: "I am. My age is falling from me like a garment, and I movetowards the star as a child. And, O my Father, now I thank Thee that ithas so often opened to receive those dear ones who await me!"

And the star was shining; and it shines upon his grave. 

THE LOVELIEST ROSE IN THE WORLD

BY HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN (ADAPTED)

Once there reigned a queen, in whose garden were found the most gloriousflowers at all seasons and from all the lands of the world. But morethan all others she loved the roses, and she had many kinds of thisflower, from the wild dog-rose with its apple-scented green leaves tothe most splendid, large, crimson roses. They grew against the gardenwalls, wound themselves around the pillars and wind-frames, and creptthrough the windows into the rooms, and all along the ceilings in thehalls. And the roses were of many colors, and of every fragrance andform. 

But care and sorrow dwelt in those halls. The queen lay upon a sick-bed, and the doctors said she must die. 

"There is still one thing that can save her, " said the wise man. "Bringher the loveliest rose in the world, the rose that is the symbol of thepurest, the brightest love. If that is held before her eyes ere theyclose, she will not die. "

Then old and young came from every side with roses, the loveliest thatbloomed in each garden, but they were not of the right sort. The flowerwas to be plucked from the Garden of Love. But what rose in all thatgarden expressed the highest and purest love?

And the poets sang of the loveliest rose in the world, --of the love ofmaid and youth, and of the love of dying heroes. 

"But they have not named the right flower, " said the wise man. "Theyhave not pointed out the place where it blooms in its splendor. It isnot the rose that springs from the hearts of youthful lovers, thoughthis rose will ever be fragrant in song. It is not the bloom thatsprouts from the blood flowing from the breast of the hero who diesfor his country, though few deaths are sweeter than his, and no rose isredder than the blood that flows then. Nor is it the wondrous flowerto which man devotes many a sleepless night and much of his freshlife, --the magic flower of science. "

"But I know where it blooms, " said a happy mother, who came with herpretty child to the bedside of the dying queen. "I know where theloveliest rose of love may be found. It springs in the blooming cheeksof my sweet child, when, waking from sleep, it opens its eyes and smilestenderly at me. "

"Lovely is this rose, but there is a lovelier still, " said the wise man. 

"I have seen the loveliest, purest rose that blooms, " said a woman. "Isaw it on the cheeks of the queen. She had taken off her golden crown. And in the long, dreary night she carried her sick child in her arms. She wept, kissed it, and prayed for her child. "

"Holy and wonderful is the white rose of a mother's grief, " answered thewise man, "but it is not the one we seek. "

"The loveliest rose in the world I saw at the altar of the Lord, " saidthe good Bishop, "the young maidens went to the Lord's Table. Roseswere blushing and pale roses shining on their fresh cheeks. A young girlstood there. She looked with all the love and purity of her spirit up toheaven. That was the expression of the highest and purest love. "

"May she be blessed, " said the wise man, "but not one of you has yetnamed the loveliest rose in the world. "

Then there came into the room a child, the queen's little son. 

"Mother, " cried the boy, "only hear what I have read. "

And the child sat by the bedside and read from the Book of Him whosuffered death upon the cross to save men, and even those who were notyet born. "Greater love there is not. "

And a rosy glow spread over the cheeks of the queen, and her eyesgleamed, for she saw that from the leaves of the Book there bloomed theloveliest rose, that sprang from the blood of Christ shed on the cross. 

"I see it!" she said, "he who beholds this, the loveliest rose on earth, shall never die. "

MAY DAY

(MAY 1)

THE SNOWDROP [1]

BY HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN (ADAPTED)

[Footnote 1: From For the Children's Hour, by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey andClara M. Lewis. Copyright by the Milton Bradley Company. ]

The snow lay deep, for it was winter-time. The winter winds blew cold, but there was one house where all was snug and warm. And in the houselay a little flower; in its bulb it lay, under the earth and the snow. 

One day the rain fell and it trickled through the ice and snow down intothe ground. And presently a sunbeam, pointed and slender, pierced downthrough the earth, and tapped on the bulb. 

"Come in, " said the flower. 

"I can't do that, " said the sunbeam; "I'm not strong enough to lift thelatch. I shall be stronger when springtime comes. "

"When will it be spring?" asked the flower of every little sunbeam thatrapped on its door. But for a long time it was winter. The ground wasstill covered with snow, and every night there was ice in the water. Theflower grew quite tired of waiting. 

"How long it is!" it said. "I feel quite cramped. I must stretch myselfand rise up a little. I must lift the latch, and look out, and say'good-morning' to the spring. "

So the flower pushed and pushed. The walls were softened by the rainand warmed by the little sunbeams, so the flower shot up from under thesnow, with a pale green bud on its stalk and some long narrow leaves oneither side. It was biting cold. 

"You are a little too early, " said the wind and the weather; but everysunbeam sang: "Welcome, " and the flower raised its head from the snowand unfolded itself--pure and white, and decked with green stripes. 

It was weather to freeze it to pieces, --such a delicate littleflower, --but it was stronger than any one knew. It stood in its whitedress in the white snow, bowing its head when the snow-flakes fell, and raising it again to smile at the sunbeams, and every day it grewsweeter. 

"Oh!" shouted the children, as they ran into the garden, "see thesnowdrop! There it stands so pretty, so beautiful, --the first, the onlyone!"

THE THREE LITTLE BUTTERFLY BROTHERS

(FROM THE GERMAN)[2]

[Footnote 2: From Deutsches Drittes Lesebuch, by W. H. Weick and C. Grebner. Copyright, 1886, by Van Antwerp, Bragg & Co. American BookCompany, publishers. ]

There were once three little butterfly brothers, one white, one red, andone yellow. They played in the sunshine, and danced among the flowers inthe garden, and they never grew tired because they were so happy. 

One day there came a heavy rain, and it wet their wings. They flew awayhome, but when they got there they found the door locked and the keygone. So they had to stay out of doors in the rain, and they grew wetterand wetter. 

By and by they flew to the red and yellow striped tulip, and said:"Friend Tulip, will you open your flower-cup and let us in till thestorm is over?"

The tulip answered: "The red and yellow butterflies may enter, becausethey are like me, but the white one may not come in. "

But the red and yellow butterflies said: "If our white brother may notfind shelter in your flowercup, why, then, we'll stay outside in therain with him. "

It rained harder and harder, and the poor little butterflies grew wetterand wetter, so they flew to the white lily and said: "Good Lily, willyou open your bud a little so we may creep in out of the rain?"

The lily answered: "The white butterfly may come in, because he is likeme, but the red and yellow ones must stay outside in the storm. "

Then the little white butterfly said: "If you won't receive my red andyellow brothers, why, then, I'll stay out in the rain with them. Wewould rather be wet than be parted. "

So the three little butterflies flew away. 

But the sun, who was behind a cloud, heard it all, and he knew what goodlittle brothers the butterflies were, and how they had held together inspite of the wet. So he pushed his face through the clouds, and chasedaway the rain, and shone brightly on the garden. 

He dried the wings of the three little butterflies, and warmed theirbodies. They ceased to sorrow, and danced among the flowers tillevening, then they flew away home, and found the door wide open. 

THE WATER-DROP

BY FRIEDRICH WILHELM CAROVE'

(ADAPTED FROM THE TRANSLATION BY SARAH AUSTIN)

There was once a child who lived in a little hut, and in the hut therewas nothing but a little bed and a looking-glass; but as soon as thefirst sunbeam glided softly through the casement and kissed his sweeteyelids, and the finch and the linnet waked him merrily with theirmorning songs, he arose and went out into the green meadow. 

And he begged flour of the primrose, and sugar of the violet, and butterof the buttercup. He shook dewdrops from the cowslip into the cup of theharebell, spread out a large lime-leaf, set his breakfast upon it, andfeasted daintily. And he invited a humming-bee and a gay butterfly topartake of his feast, but his favorite guest was a blue dragon-fly. 

The bee murmured a good deal about his riches, and the butterfly toldhis adventures. Such talk delighted the child, and his breakfast was thesweeter to him, and the sunshine on leaf and flower seemed more brightand cheering. 

But when the bee had flown off to beg from flower to flower, and thebutterfly had fluttered away to his play-fellows, the dragon-fly stillremained, poised on a blade of grass. Her slender and burnished body, more brightly and deeply blue than the deep blue sky, glistened in thesunbeam. Her net-like wings laughed at the flowers because they couldnot fly, but must stand still and abide the wind and rain. 

The dragon-fly sipped a little of the child's clear dewdrops and blueviolet honey, and then whispered her winged words. Such stories as thedragon-fly did tell! And as the child sat motionless with his blueeyes shut, and his head rested on his hands, she thought he had fallenasleep; so she poised her double wings and flew into the rustling wood. 

But the child had only sunk into a dream of delight and was wishing hewere a sunbeam or a moonbeam; and he would have been glad to hear moreand more, and forever. 

But at last as all was still, he opened his eyes and looked around forhis dear guest, but she was flown far away. He could not bear to sitthere any longer alone, and he rose and went to the gurgling brook. Itgushed and rolled so merrily, and tumbled so wildly along as it hurriedto throw itself head-over-heels into the river, just as if the greatmassy rock out of which it sprang were close behind it, and could onlybe escaped by a breakneck leap. 

Then the child began to talk to the little waves and asked them whencethey came. They would not stay to give him an answer, but danced awayone over another; till at last, that the sweet child might not begrieved, a water-drop stopped behind a piece of rock. 

"A long time ago, " said the water-drop, "I lived with my countlesssisters in the great Ocean, in peace and unity. We had all sorts ofpastimes. Sometimes we mounted up high into the air, and peeped at thestars. Then we sank plump down deep below, and looked how the coralbuilders work till they are tired, that they may reach the light of dayat last. 

"But I was conceited, and thought myself much better than my sisters. And so, one day, when the sun rose out of the sea, I clung fast to oneof his hot beams and thought how I should reach the stars and become oneof them. 

"But I had not ascended far when the sunbeam shook me off, and, in spiteof all I could say or do, let me fall into a dark cloud. And soon aflash of fire darted through the cloud, and now I thought I must surelydie; but the cloud laid itself down softly upon the top of a mountain, and so I escaped. 

"Now I thought I should remain hidden, when, all on a sudden, I slippedover a round pebble, fell from one stone to another, down into thedepths of the mountain. At last it was pitch dark and I could neithersee nor hear anything. 

"Then I found, indeed, that 'pride goeth before a fall, ' for, though Ihad already laid aside all my unhappy pride in the cloud, my punishmentwas to remain for some time in the heart of the mountain. Afterundergoing many purifications from the hidden virtues of metals andminerals, I was at length permitted to come up once more into the freeand cheerful air, and to gush from this rock and journey with this happystream. Now will I run back to my sisters in the Ocean, and there waitpatiently till I am called to something better. "

So said the water-drop to the child, but scarcely had she finished herstory, when the root of a For-Get-Me-Not caught the drop and sucked herin, that she might become a floweret, and twinkle brightly as a bluestar on the green firmament of earth. 

THE SPRING BEAUTY

AN OJIBBEWAY LEGEND

BY HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT (ADAPTED)

An old man was sitting in his lodge, by the side of a frozen stream. Itwas the end of winter, the air was not so cold, and his fire wasnearly out. He was old and alone. His locks were white with age, and hetrembled in every joint. Day after day passed, and he heard nothing butthe sound of the storm sweeping before it the new-fallen snow. 

One day while his fire was dying, a handsome young man approached andentered the lodge. His cheeks were red, his eyes sparkled. He walkedwith a quick, light step. His forehead was bound with a wreath ofsweet-grass, and he carried a bunch of fragrant flowers in his hand. 

"Ah, my son, " said the old man, "I am happy to see you. Come in! Tell meyour adventures, and what strange lands you have seen. I will tell youof my wonderful deeds, and what I can perform. You shall do the same, and we will amuse each other. "

The old man then drew from a bag a curiously wrought pipe. He filled itwith mild tobacco, and handed it to his guest. They each smoked from thepipe and then began their stories. 

"I am Peboan, the Spirit of Winter, " said the old man. "I blow mybreath, and the streams stand still. The water becomes stiff and hard asclear stone. "

"I am Seegwun, the Spirit of Spring, " answered the youth. "I breathe, and flowers spring up in the meadows and woods. "

"I shake my locks, " said the old man, "and snow covers the land. Theleaves fall from the trees, and my breath blows them away. The birds flyto a distant land, and the animals hide themselves from the cold. "

"I shake my ringlets, " said the young man, "and warm showers of softrain fall upon the earth. The flowers lift their heads from the ground, the grass grows thick and green. My voice recalls the birds, and theycome flying joyfully from the Southland. The warmth of my breath unbindsthe streams, and they sing the songs of summer. Music fills the groveswhere-ever I walk, and all nature rejoices. "

And while they were talking thus a wonderful change took place. The sunbegan to rise. A gentle warmth stole over the place. Peboan, the Spiritof Winter, became silent. His head drooped, and the snow outside thelodge melted away. Seegwun, the Spirit of Spring, grew more radiant, androse joyfully to his feet. The robin and the bluebird began to sing onthe top of the lodge. The stream began to murmur at the door, and thefragrance of opening flowers came softly on the breeze. 

The lodge faded away, and Peboan sank down and dissolved into tinystreams of water, that vanished under the brown leaves of the forest. Thus the Spirit of Winter departed, and where he had melted away, therethe Indian children gathered the first blossoms, fragrant and delicatelypink, --the modest Spring Beauty. 

THE FAIRY TULIPS

ENGLISH FOLK-TALE

Once upon a time there was a good old woman who lived in a little house. She had in her garden a bed of beautiful striped tulips. 

One night she was wakened by the sounds of sweet singing and of babieslaughing. She looked out at the window. The sounds seemed to come fromthe tulip bed, but she could see nothing. 

The next morning she walked among her flowers, but there were no signsof any one having been there the night before. 

On the following night she was again wakened by sweet singing and babieslaughing. She rose and stole softly through her garden. The moon wasshining brightly on the tulip bed, and the flowers were swaying to andfro. The old woman looked closely and she saw, standing by each tulip, a little Fairy mother who was crooning and rocking the flower like acradle, while in each tulip-cup lay a little Fairy baby laughing andplaying. 

The good old woman stole quietly back to her house, and from that timeon she never picked a tulip, nor did she allow her neighbors to touchthe flowers. 

The tulips grew daily brighter in color and larger in size, and theygave out a delicious perfume like that of roses. They began, too, tobloom all the year round. And every night the little Fairy motherscaressed their babies and rocked them to sleep in the flower-cups. 

The day came when the good old woman died, and the tulip-bed was tornup by folks who did not know about the Fairies, and parsley was plantedthere instead of the flowers. But the parsley withered, and so did allthe other plants in the garden, and from that time nothing would growthere. 

But the good old woman's grave grew beautiful, for the Fairies sangabove it, and kept it green; while on the grave and all around it theresprang up tulips, daffodils, and violets, and other lovely flowers ofspring. 

THE STREAM THAT RAN AWAY

BY MARY AUSTIN (ADAPTED)

In a short and shallow canyon running eastward toward the sun, one mayfind a clear, brown stream called the Creek of Pinon Pines; that is notbecause it is unusual to find pinon trees in that country, but becausethere are so few of them in the canyon of the stream. There are allsorts higher up on the slopes, --long-leaved yellow pines, thimble cones, tamarack, silver fir, and Douglas spruce; but in the canyon thereis only a group of the low-headed, gray nut pines which the earliestinhabitants of that country called pinons. 

The Canyon of Pinon Pines has a pleasant outlook and lies open to thesun. At the upper end there is no more room by the stream border thanwill serve for a cattle trail; willows grow in it, choking the pathof the water; there are brown birches here and ropes of white clematistangled over thickets of brier rose. 

Low down, the ravine broadens out to inclose a meadow the width of alark's flight, blossomy and wet and good. Here the stream ran once in amaze of soddy banks and watered all the ground, and afterward ran out atthe canyon's mouth across the mesa in a wash of bone-white boulders asfar as it could. That was not very far, for it was a slender stream. Ithad its source on the high crests and hollows of the near-by mountain, in the snow banks that melted and seeped downward through the rocks. Butthe stream did not know any more of that than you know of what happenedto you before you were born, and could give no account of itself exceptthat it crept out from under a great heap of rubble far up in the Canyonof the Pinon Pines. 

And because it had no pools in it deep enough for trout, and no trees onits borders but gray nut pines; because, try as it might, it could neverget across the mesa to the town, the stream had fully made up its mindto run away. 

"Pray, what good will that do you?" said the pines. "If you get tothe town, they will turn you into an irrigating ditch, and set you towatering crops. "

"As to that, " said the stream, "if I once get started I will not stop atthe town. "

Then it would fret between its banks until the spangled frills of themimulus were all tattered with its spray. Often at the end of the summerit was worn quite thin and small with running, and not able to do morethan reach the meadow. 

"But some day, " it whispered to the stones, "I shall run quite away. "

If the stream had been inclined for it, there was no lack of goodcompany on its own borders. Birds nested in the willows, rabbits came todrink; one summer a bobcat made its lair up the bank opposite the brownbirches, and often the deer fed in the meadow. 

In the spring of one year two old men came up into the Canyon of PinonPines. They had been miners and partners together for many years. Theyhad grown rich and grown poor, and had seen many hard places and strangetimes. It was a day when the creek ran clear and the south wind smelledof the earth. Wild bees began to whine among the willows, and the meadowbloomed over with poppy-breasted larks. 

Then said one of the old men: "Here is good meadow and water enough; letus build a house and grow trees. We are too old to dig in the mines. "

"Let us set about it, " said the other; for that is the way with two whohave been a long time together, --what one thinks of, the other is fordoing. 

So they brought their possessions, and they built a house by the waterborder and planted trees. One of the men was all for an orchard but theother preferred vegetables. So they did each what he liked, and werenever so happy as when walking in the garden in the cool of the day, touching the growing things as they walked, and praising each other'swork. 

They were very happy for three years. By this time the stream had becomeso interested it had almost forgotten about running away. But every yearit noted that a larger bit of the meadow was turned under and planted, and more and more the men made dams and ditches by which to turn thewater into their gardens. 

"In fact, " said the stream, "I am being made into an irrigating ditchbefore I have had my fling in the world. I really must make a start. "

That very winter, by the help of a great storm, the stream went roaringdown the meadow, over the mesa, and so clean away, with only a track ofmuddy sand to show the way it had gone. 

All that winter the two men brought water for drinking from a spring, and looked for the stream to come back. In the spring they hoped still, for that was the season they looked for the orchard to bear. But nofruit grew on the trees, and the seeds they planted shriveled in theearth. So by the end of summer, when they understood that the waterwould not come back at all, they went sadly away. 

Now the Creek of Pinon Pines did not have a happy time. It went out inthe world on the wings of the storm, and was very much tossed about andmixed up with other waters, lost and bewildered. 

Everywhere it saw water at work, turning mills, watering fields, carrying trade, falling as hail, rain, and snow; and at the last, aftermany journeys it found itself creeping out from under the rocks of thesame old mountain, in the Canyon of Pinon Pines. 

"After all, home is best, " said the little stream to itself, and ranabout in its choked channels looking for old friends. 

The willows were there, but grown shabby and dying at the top; thebirches were quite dead, and there was only rubbish where the whiteclematis had been. Even the rabbits had gone away. 

The little stream ran whimpering in the meadow, fumbling at the ruinedditches to comfort the fruit trees which were not quite dead. It wasvery dull in those days living in the Canyon of Pinon Pines. 

"But it is really my own fault, " said the stream. So it went onrepairing the borders as best it could. 

About the time the white clematis had come back to hide the ruin of thebrown birches, a young man came and camped with his wife and child inthe meadow. They were looking for a place to make a home. 

"What a charming place!" said the young wife; "just the right distancefrom town, and a stream all to ourselves. And look, there are fruittrees already planted. Do let us decide to stay!"

Then she took off the child's shoes and stockings to let it play inthe stream. The water curled all about the bare feet and gurgleddelightedly. 

"Ah, do stay, " begged the happy water. "I can be such a help to you, forI know how a garden should be irrigated in the best manner. "

The child laughed, and stamped the water up to his bare knees. The youngwife watched anxiously while her husband walked up and down the streamborder and examined the fruit trees. 

"It is a delightful place, " he said, "and the soil is rich, but I amafraid the water cannot be depended upon. There are signs of a greatdrought within the last two or three years. Look, there is a clump ofbirches in the very path of the stream, but all dead; and the largestlimbs of the fruit trees have died. In this country one must be ableto make sure of the water-supply. I suppose the people who planted themmust have abandoned the place when the stream went dry. We must go onfarther. "

So they took their goods and the child and went on farther. 

"Ah, well, " said the stream, "that is what is to be expected when has areputation for neglecting one's duty. But I wish they had stayed. Thatbaby and I understood each other. "

It had made up its mind not to run away again, though it could not beexpected to be quite cheerful after all that had happened. If you go tothe Canyon of Pinon Pines you will notice that the stream, where it goesbrokenly about the meadow, has a mournful sound. 

THE ELVES

AN IROQUOIS LEGEND

BY HARRIET MAXWELL CONVERSE (ADAPTED)

The little Elves of Darkness, so says the old Iroquois grandmother, werewise and mysterious. They dwelt under the earth, where were deep forestsand broad plains. There they kept captive all the evil things thatwished to injure human beings, --the venomous reptiles, the wickedspiders, and the fearful monsters. Sometimes one of these evil creaturesescaped and rushed upward to the bright, pure air, and spread itspoisonous breath over the living things of the upper-world. But suchhappenings were rare, for the Elves of Darkness were faithful andstrong, and did not willingly allow the wicked beasts and reptiles toharm human beings and the growing things. 

When the night was lighted by the moon's soft rays, and the woods ofthe upper-world were sweet with the odor of the spring-flowers, then theElves of Darkness left the under-world, and creeping from their holes, held a festival in the woods. And under many a tree, where the blades ofgrass had refused to grow, the Little People danced until rings of greensprang up beneath their feet. And to the festival came the Elves ofLight, --among whom were Tree-Elves, Flower-Elves, and Fruit-Elves. Theytoo danced and made merry. 

But when the moonlight faded away, and day began to break, then theElves of Darkness scampered back to their holes, and returned once moreto the under-world; while the Elves of Light began their daily tasks. 

For in the springtime these Little People of the Light hid in shelteredplaces. They listened to the complaints of the seeds that lay covered inthe ground, and they whispered to the earth until the seeds burst theirpods and sent their shoots upward to the light. Then the little Elveswandered over the fields and through the woods, bidding all growingthings to look upon the sun. 

The Tree-Elves tended the trees, unfolding their leaves, and feedingtheir roots with sap from the earth. The Flower-Elves unwrapped the babybuds, and tinted the petals of the opening flowers, and played with thebees and the butterflies. 

But the busiest of all were the Fruit-Elves. Their greatest care inthe spring was the strawberry plant. When the ground softened from thefrost, the Fruit-Elves loosened the earth around each strawberry root, that its shoots might push through to the light. They shaped the plant'sleaves, and turned its blossoms toward the warm rays of the sun. Theytrained its runners, and assisted the timid fruit to form. They paintedthe luscious berry, and bade it ripen. And when the first strawberriesblushed on the vines, these guardian Elves protected them from the evilinsects that had escaped from the world of darkness underground. 

And the old Iroquois grandmother tells, how once, when the fruit firstcame to earth, the Evil Spirit, Hahgwehdaetgah, stole the strawberryplant, and carried it to his gloomy cave, where he hid it away. Andthere it lay until a tiny sunbeam pierced the damp mould, and findingthe little vine carried it back to its sunny fields. And ever since thenthe strawberry plant has lived and thrived in the fields and woods. Butthe Fruit-Elves, fearing lest the Evil One should one day steal thevine again, watch day and night over their favorite. And when thestrawberries ripen they give the juicy, fragrant fruit to the Iroquoischildren as they gather the spring flowers in the woods. 

THE CANYON FLOWERS

BY RALPH CONNOR (ADAPTED)

At first there were no canyons, but only the broad, open prairie. Oneday the Master of the Prairie, walking out over his great lawns, wherewere only grasses, asked the Prairie: "Where are your flowers?"

And the Prairie said: "Master, I have no seeds. "

Then he spoke to the birds, and they carried seeds of every kind offlower and strewed them far and wide, and soon the Prairie bloomed withcrocuses and roses and buffalo beans and the yellow crowfoot and thewild sunflowers and the red lilies, all the summer long. 

Then the Master came and was well pleased; but he missed the flowers heloved best of all, and he said to the Prairie: "Where are the clematisand the columbine, the sweet violets and wind-flowers, and all the fernsand flowering shrubs?"

And again the Prairie answered: "Master, I have no seeds. "

And again he spoke to the birds and again they carried all the seeds andstrewed them far and wide. 

But when next the Master came, he could not find the flowers he lovedbest of all, and he said: "Where are those, my sweetest flowers?"

And the Prairie cried sorrowfully: "O Master, I cannot keep the flowers, for the winds sweep fiercely, and the sun beats upon my breast, and theywither up and fly away. "

Then the Master spoke to the Lightning, and with one swift blow theLightning cleft the Prairie to the heart. And the Prairie rocked andgroaned in agony, and for many a day moaned bitterly over its black, jagged, gaping wound. 

But a little river poured its waters through the cleft, and carried downdeep, black mould, and once more the birds carried seeds and strewedthem in the canyon. And after a long time the rough rocks were deckedout with soft mosses and trailing vines, and all the nooks were hungwith clematis and columbine, and great elms lifted their huge tops highup into the sunlight, and down about their feet clustered the low cedarsand balsams, and everywhere the violets and wind-flowers and maiden-hairgrew and bloomed till the canyon became the Master's place for rest andpeace and joy. 

CLYTIE, THE HELIOTROPE

BY OVID (ADAPTED)

There was once a Nymph named Clytie, who gazed ever at Apollo as hedrove his sun-chariot through the heavens. She watched him as he rose inthe east attended by the rosy-fingered Dawn and the dancing Hours. Shegazed as he ascended the heavens, urging his steeds still higher inthe fierce heat of the noonday. She looked with wonder as at eveninghe guided his steeds downward to their many-colored pastures under thewestern sky, where they fed all night on ambrosia. 

Apollo saw not Clytie. He had no thought for her, but he shed hisbrightest beams upon her sister the white Nymph Leucothoe. And whenClytie perceived this she was filled with envy and grief. 

Night and day she sat on the bare ground weeping. For nine days and ninenights she never raised herself from the earth, nor did she take foodor drink; but ever she turned her weeping eyes toward the sun-god as hemoved through the sky. 

And her limbs became rooted to the ground. Green leaves enfolded herbody. Her beautiful face was concealed by tiny flowers, violet-coloredand sweet with perfume. Thus was she changed into a flower and her rootsheld her fast to the ground; but ever she turned her blossom-coveredface toward the sun, following with eager gaze his daily flight. In vainwere her sorrow and tears, for Apollo regarded her not. 

And so through the ages has the Nymph turned her dew-washed face towardthe heavens, and men no longer call her Clytie, but the sun-flower, heliotrope. 

HYACINTHUS

BY OVID (ADAPTED)

Once when the golden-beamed Apollo roamed the earth, he made a companionof Hyacinthus, the son of King Amyclas of Lacedaemon; and him he lovedwith an exceeding great love, for the lad was beautiful beyond compare. 

The sun-god threw aside his lyre, and became the daily comrade ofHyacinthus. Often they played games, or climbed the rugged mountainridges. Together they followed the chase or fished in the quiet andshadowy pools; and the sun-god, unmindful of his dignity, carried thelad's nets and held his dogs. 

It happened on a day that the two friends stripped off their garments, rubbed the juice of the olive upon their bodies, and engaged in throwingthe quoit. First Apollo poised it and tossed it far. It cleaved the airwith its weight and fell heavily to earth. At that moment Hyacinthus ranforwards and hastened to take up the disc, but the hard earth sentit rebounding straight into his face, so that he fell wounded to theground. 

Ah! then, pale and fearful, the sun-god hastened to the side of hisfallen friend. He bore up the lad's sinking limbs and strove to stanchhis wound with healing herbs. All in vain! Alas! the wound would notclose. And as violets and lilies, when their stems are crushed, hang their languid blossoms on their stalks and wither away, so didHyacinthus droop his beautiful head and die. 

Then the sun-god, full of grief, cried aloud in his anguish: "O Beloved!thou fallest in thy early youth, and I alone am the cause of thydestruction! Oh, that I could give my life for thee or with thee! butsince Fate will not permit this, thou shalt ever be with me, and thypraise shall dwell on my lips. My lyre struck with my hand, my songs, too, shall celebrate thee! And thou, dear lad, shalt become a newflower, and on thy leaves will I write my lamentations. "

And even as the sun-god spoke, behold! the blood that had flowed fromHyacinthus's wound stained the grass, and a flower, like a lily inshape, sprang up, more bright than Tyrian purple. On its leaves didApollo inscribe the mournful characters: "ai, ai, " which mean "alas!alas!"

And as oft as the spring drives away the winter, so oft does Hyacinthusblossom in the fresh, green grass. 

ECHO AND NARCISSUS

BY OVID (ADAPTED)

Long ago, in the ancient world, there was born to the blue-eyed NymphLiriope, a beautiful boy, whom she called Narcissus. An oracle foretoldat his birth that he should be happy and live to a good old age if he"never saw himself. " As this prophecy seemed ridiculous his mother soonforgot all about it. 

Narcissus grew to be a stately, handsome youth. His limbs were firm andstraight. Curls clustered about his white brow, and his eyes shonelike two stars. He loved to wander among the meadow flowers and in thepathless woodland. But he disdained his playmates, and would not listento their entreaties to join in their games. His heart was cold, and init was neither hate nor love. He lived indifferent to youth or maid, tofriend or foe. 

Now, in the forest near by dwelt a Nymph named Echo. She had been ahandmaiden of the goddess Juno. But though the Nymph was beautifulof face, she was not loved. She had a noisy tongue. She told lies andwhispered slanders, and encouraged the other Nymphs in many misdoings. So when Juno perceived all this, she ordered the troublesome Nymph awayfrom her court, and banished her to the wildwood, bidding her neverspeak again except in imitation of other peoples' words. So Echo dweltin the woods, and forever mocked the words of youths and maidens. 

One day as Narcissus was wandering alone in the pathless forest, Echo, peeping from behind a tree, saw his beauty, and as she gazed her heartwas filled with love. Stealthily she followed his footsteps, and oftenshe tried to call to him with endearing words, but she could not speak, for she no longer had a voice of her own. 

At last Narcissus heard the sound of breaking branches, and he criedout: "Is there any one here?"

And Echo answered softly: "Here!"

Narcissus, amazed, looking about on all sides and seeing no one, cried:"Come!"

And Echo answered: "Come!"

Narcissus cried again: "Who art thou? Whom seekest thou?"

And Echo answered: "Thou!"

Then rushing from among the trees she tried to throw her arms about hisneck, but Narcissus fled through the forest, crying: "Away! away! I willdie before I love thee!"

And Echo answered mournfully: "I love thee!"

And thus rejected, she hid among the trees, and buried her blushing facein the green leaves. And she pined, and pined, until her body wastedquite away, and nothing but her voice was left. And some say that evento this day her voice lives in lonely caves and answers men's words fromafar. 

Now, when Narcissus fled from Echo, he came to a clear spring, likesilver. Its waters were unsullied, for neither goats feeding upon themountains nor any other cattle had drunk from it, nor had wild beasts orbirds disturbed it, nor had branch or leaf fallen into its calm waters. The trees bent above and shaded it from the hot sun, and the soft, greengrass grew on its margin. 

Here Narcissus, fatigued and thirsty after his flight, laid himself downbeside the spring to drink. He gazed into the mirror-like water, and sawhimself reflected in its tide. He knew not that it was his own image, but thought that he saw a youth living in the spring. 

He gazed on two eyes like stars, on graceful slender fingers, onclustering curls worthy of Apollo, on a mouth arched like Cupid's bow, on blushing cheeks and ivory neck. And as he gazed his cold heart grewwarm, and love for this beautiful reflection rose up and filled hissoul. 

He rained kisses on the deceitful stream. He thrust his arms into thewater, and strove to grasp the image by the neck, but it fled away. Again he kissed the stream, but the image mocked his love. And all dayand all night, lying there without food or drink, he continued to gazeinto the water. Then raising himself, he stretched out his arms to thetrees about him, and cried:--

"Did ever, O ye woods, one love as much as I! Have ye ever seen a loverthus pine for the sake of unrequited affection?"

Then turning once more, Narcissus addressed his reflection in the limpidstream:--

"Why, dear youth, dost thou flee away from me? Neither a vast sea, nora long way, nor a great mountain separates us! only a little water keepsus apart! Why, dear lad, dost thou deceive me, and whither dost thou gowhen I try to grasp thee? Thou encouragest me with friendly looks. WhenI extend my arms, thou extendest thine; when I smile, thou smilest inreturn; when I weep, thou weepest; but when I try to clasp thee beneaththe stream, thou shunnest me and fleest away! Grief is taking mystrength, and my life will soon be over! In my early days am I cut off, nor is Death grievous to me, now that he is about to remove my sorrows!"

Thus mourned Narcissus, lying beside the woodland spring. He disturbedthe water with his tears, and made the woods to resound with his sighs. And as the yellow wax is melted by the fire, or the hoar frost isconsumed by the heat of the sun, so did Narcissus pine away, his bodywasting by degrees. 

And often as he sighed: "Alas!" the grieving Echo from the woodanswered: "Alas!"

With his last breath he looked into the water and sighed: "Ah, youthbeloved, farewell!" and Echo sighed: "Farewell!"

And Narcissus, laying his weary head upon the grass, closed his eyesforever. The Water-Nymphs wept for him, and the Wood-Dryads lamentedhim, and Echo resounded their mourning. But when they sought his bodyit had vanished away, and in its stead had grown up by the brink of thestream a little flower, with silver leaves and golden heart, --and thuswas born to earth the woodland flower, Narcissus. 

MOTHERS' DAY

(SECOND SUNDAY IN MAY)

THE LARK AND ITS YOUNG ONES

A HINDU FABLE

BY P. V. RAMASWAMI RAJU (ADAPTED)

A child went up to a lark and said: "Good lark, have you any youngones?"

"Yes, child, I have, " said the mother lark, "and they are very prettyones, indeed. " Then she pointed to the little birds and said: "This isFair Wing, that is Tiny Bill, and that other is Bright Eyes. "

"At home, we are three, " said the child, "myself and two sisters. Mothersays that we are pretty children, and she loves us. "

To this the little larks replied: "Oh, yes, OUR mother is fond of us, too. "

"Good mother lark, " said the child, "will you let Tiny Bill go home withme and play?"

Before the mother lark could reply, Bright Eyes said: "Yes, if you willsend your little sister to play with us in our nest. "

"Oh, she will be so sorry to leave home, " said the child; "she could notcome away from our mother. "

"Tiny Bill will be so sorry to leave our nest, " answered Bright Eyes, "and he will not go away from OUR mother. "

Then the child ran away to her mother, saying: "Ah, every one is fond ofhome!"

CORNELIA'S JEWELS

BY JAMES BALDWIN [3]

[Footnote 3: From Fifty Famous Stories Retold. Copyright, 1896, byAmerican Book Company. ]

It was a bright morning in the old city of Rome many hundred years ago. In a vine-covered summer-house in a beautiful garden, two boys werestanding. They were looking at their mother and her friend, who werewalking among the flowers and trees. 

"Did you ever see so handsome a lady as our mother's friend?" asked theyounger boy, holding his tall brother's hand. "She looks like a queen. "

"Yet she is not so beautiful as our mother, " said the elder boy. "Shehas a fine dress, it is true; but her face is not noble and kind. It isour mother who is like a queen. "

"That is true, " said the other. "There is no woman in Rome so much likea queen as our own dear mother. "

Soon Cornelia, their mother, came down the walk to speak with them. Shewas simply dressed in a plain, white robe. Her arms and feet were bare, as was the custom in those days; and no rings or chains glittered abouther hands and neck. For her only crown, long braids of soft brown hairwere coiled about her head; and a tender smile lit up her noble face asshe looked into her sons' proud eyes. 

"Boys, " she said, "I have something to tell you. "

They bowed before her, as Roman lads were taught to do, and said: "Whatis it, mother?"

"You are to dine with us to-day, here in the garden; and then our friendis going to show us that wonderful casket of jewels of which you haveheard so much. "

The brothers looked shyly at their mother's friend. Was it possible thatshe had still other rings besides those on her fingers? Could she haveother gems besides those which sparkled in the chains about her neck?

When the simple outdoor meal was over, a servant brought the casket fromthe house. The lady opened it. Ah, how those jewels dazzled the eyesof the wondering boys! There were ropes of pearls, white as milk, andsmooth as satin; heaps of shining rubies, red as the glowing coals;sapphires as blue as the sky that summer day; and diamonds that flashedand sparkled like the sunlight. 

The brothers looked long at the gems. "Ah!" whispered the younger; "ifour mother could only have such beautiful things!"

At last, however, the casket was closed and carried carefully away. 

"Is it true, Cornelia, that you have no jewels?" asked her friend. "Isit true, as I have heard it whispered, that you are poor?"

"No, I am not poor, " answered Cornelia, and as she spoke she drew hertwo boys to her side; "for here are my jewels. They are worth more thanall your gems. "

The boys never forgot their mother's pride and love and care; and inafter years, when they had become great men in Rome, they often thoughtof this scene in the garden. And the world still likes to hear the storyof Cornelia's jewels. 

QUEEN MARGARET AND THE ROBBERS

BY ALBERT F. BLAISDELL (ADAPTED)

One day when roses were in bloom, two noblemen came to angry words inthe Temple Gardens, by the side of the river Thames. In the midst oftheir quarrel one of them plucked a white rose from a bush, and, turningto those who were near him, said:--

"He who will stand by me in this quarrel, let him pluck a white rosewith me, and wear it in his hat. "

Then the other gentleman tore a red rose from another bush, and said:--

"Let him who will stand by me pluck a red rose, and wear it as hisbadge. "

Now this quarrel led to a great civil war, which was called "The War ofthe Roses, " for every soldier wore a white or red rose in his helmet toshow to which side he belonged. 

The leaders of the "Red Rose" sided with King Henry the Sixth and hiswife, Queen Margaret, who were fighting for the English throne. Manygreat battles were fought, and wicked deeds were done in those dreadfultimes. 

In a battle at a place called Hexham, the king's party was beaten, andQueen Margaret and her little son, the Prince of Wales, had to flee fortheir lives. They had not gone far before they met a band of robbers, who stopped the queen and stole all her rich jewels, and, holding adrawn sword over her head, threatened to take her life and that of herchild. 

The poor queen, overcome by terror, fell upon her knees and begged themto spare her only son, the little prince. But the robbers, turning fromher, began to fight among themselves as to how they should divide theplunder, and, drawing their weapons, they attacked one another. Whenthe queen saw what was happening she sprang to her feet, and, taking theprince by the hand, made haste to escape. 

There was a thick wood close by, and the queen plunged into it, but shewas sorely afraid and trembled in every limb, for she knew that thiswood was the hiding-place of robbers and outlaws. Every tree seemed toher excited fancy to be an armed man waiting to kill her and her littleson. 

On and on she went through the dark wood, this way and that, seekingsome place of shelter, but not knowing where she was going. At last shesaw by the light of the moon a tall, fierce-looking man step out frombehind a tree. He came directly toward her, and she knew by his dressthat he was an outlaw. But thinking that he might have children of hisown, she determined to throw herself and her son upon his mercy. 

When he came near she addressed him in a calm voice and with a statelymanner. 

"Friend, " said she, "I am the queen. Kill me if thou wilt, but spare myson, thy prince. Take him, I will trust him to thee. Keep him safe fromthose that seek his life, and God will have pity on thee for all thysins. "

The words of the queen moved the heart of the outlaw. He told her thathe had once fought on her side, and was now hiding from the soldiersof the "White Rose. " He then lifted the little prince in his arms, and, bidding the queen follow, led the way to a cave in the rocks. There hegave them food and shelter, and kept them safe for two days, when thequeen's friends and attendants, discovering their hiding-place, came andtook them far away. 

If you ever go to Hexham Forest, you may see this robber's cave. It ison the bank of a little stream that flows at the foot of a hill, and tothis day the people call it "Queen Margaret's Cave. "

THE REVENGE OF CORIOLANUS

BY CHARLES MORRIS (ADAPTED)

Caius Marcius was a noble Roman youth, who fought valiantly, when butseventeen years of age, in the battle of Lake Regillus, and was therecrowned with an oaken wreath, the Roman reward for saving the life of afellow soldier. This he showed with joy to his mother, Volumnia, whom heloved exceedingly, it being his greatest pleasure to receive praise fromher lips. 

He afterward won many more crowns in battle, and became one of themost famous of Roman soldiers. One of his memorable exploits took placeduring a war with the Volscians, in which the Romans attacked the cityof Corioli. Through Caius's bravery the place was taken, and the Romangeneral said: "Henceforth, let him be called after the name of thiscity. " So ever after he was known as Caius Marcius Coriolanus. 

Courage was not the only marked quality of Coriolanus. His pride wasequally great. He was a noble of the nobles, so haughty in demeanor andso disdainful of the commons that they grew to hate him bitterly. 

At length came a time of great scarcity of food. The people were onthe verge of famine, to relieve which shiploads of corn were sent fromSicily to Rome. The Senate resolved to distribute this corn among thesuffering people, but Coriolanus opposed this, saying: "If they wantcorn, let them promise to obey the Patricians, as their fathers did. Letthem give up their tribunes. If they do this we will let them have corn, and take care of them. "

When the people heard of what the proud noble had said, they brokeinto a fury, and a mob gathered around the doors of the Senate house, prepared to seize and tear him in pieces when he came out. But thetribunes prevented this, and Coriolanus fled from Rome, exiled from hisnative land by his pride and disdain of the people. 

The exile made his way to the land of the Volscians and became thefriend of Rome's great enemy, whom he had formerly helped to conquer. He aroused the Volscians' ire against Rome, to a greater degree thanbefore, and placing himself at the head of a Volscian army greaterthan the Roman forces, marched against his native city. The army sweptvictoriously onward, taking city after city, and finally encampingwithin five miles of Rome. 

The approach of this powerful host threw the Romans into dismay. Theyhad been assailed so suddenly that they had made no preparations fordefense, and the city seemed to lie at the mercy of its foes. Thewomen ran to the temples to pray for the favor of the gods. The peopledemanded that the Senate should send deputies to the invading army totreat for peace. 

The Senate, no less frightened than the people, obeyed, sending fiveleading Patricians to the Volscian camp. These deputies were haughtilyreceived by Coriolanus, who offered them such severe terms that theywere unable to accept them. They returned and reported the matter, andthe Senate was thrown into confusion. The deputies were sent again, instructed to ask for gentler terms, but now Coriolanus refused evento let them enter his camp. This harsh repulse plunged Rome into mortalterror. 

All else having failed, the noble women of Rome, with Volumnia, themother of Coriolanus, at their head, went in procession from the city tothe Volscian camp to pray for mercy. 

It was a sad and solemn spectacle, as this train of noble ladies, cladin their habiliments of woe, and with bent heads and sorrowful faces, wound through the hostile camp, from which they were not excluded as thedeputies had been. Even the Volscian soldiers watched them with pityingeyes, and spoke no scornful word as they moved slowly past. 

On reaching the midst of the camp, they saw Coriolanus on the general'sseat, with the Volscian chiefs gathered around him. At first he wonderedwho these women could be; but when they came near, and he saw his motherat the head of the train, his deep love for her welled up so strongly inhis heart that he could not restrain himself, but sprang up and ran tomeet and kiss her. 

The Roman matron stopped him with a dignified gesture. "Ere you kissme, " she said, "let me know whether I speak to an enemy or to my son;whether I stand here as your prisoner or your mother. "

He stood before her in silence, with bent head, and unable to answer. 

"Must it, then, be that if I had never borne a son, Rome would havenever seen the camp of an enemy?" said Volumnia, in sorrowful tones. 

"But I am too old to endure much longer your shame and my misery. Thinknot of me, but of your wife and children, whom you would doom to deathor to life in bondage. "

Then Virgilia, his wife, and his children, came forward and kissed him, and all the noble ladies in the train burst into tears and bemoaned theperil of their country. 

Coriolanus still stood silent, his face working with contendingthoughts. At length he cried out in heart-rending accents: "O mother!What have you done to me?"

Then clasping her hand he wrung it vehemently, saying: "Mother, thevictory is yours! A happy victory for you and Rome! but shame and ruinfor your son. "

Thereupon he embraced her with yearning heart, and afterward clasped hiswife and children to his breast, bidding them return with their taleof conquest to Rome. As for himself, he said, only exile and shameremained. 

Before the women reached home, the army of the Volscians was on itshomeward march. Coriolanus never led it against Rome again. He lived anddied in exile, far from his wife and children. 

The Romans, to honor Volumnia, and those who had gone with her to theVolscian camp, built a temple to "Woman's Fortune, " on the spot whereCoriolanus had yielded to his mother's entreaties. 

THE WIDOW AND HER THREE SONS

(ADAPTED)

One day a poor woman approached Mr. Lincoln for an interview. She wassomewhat advanced in years and plainly clad, wearing a faded shawl andworn hood. 

"Well, my good woman, " said Mr. Lincoln, "what can I do for you thismorning?"

"Mr. President, " answered she, "my husband and three sons all went intothe army. My husband was killed in the battle of----. I get along verybadly since then living all alone, and I thought that I would come andask you to release to me my eldest son. "

Mr. Lincoln looked in her face for a moment, and then replied kindly:--

"Certainly! Certainly! If you have given us ALL, and your prop has beentaken away, you are justly entitled to one of your boys. "

He then made out an order discharging the young man, which the womantook away, thanking him gratefully. 

She went to the front herself with the President's order, and found thather son had been mortally wounded in a recent battle, and taken to thehospital. 

She hastened to the hospital. But she was too late, the boy died, andshe saw him laid in a soldier's grave. 

She then returned to the President with his order, on the back of whichthe attendant surgeon had stated the sad facts concerning the young manit was intended to discharge. 

Mr. Lincoln was much moved by her story, and said: "I know what you wishme to do now, and I shall do it without your asking. I shall release toyou your second son. "

Taking up his pen he began to write the order, while the grief-strickenwoman stood at his side and passed her hand softly over his head, andstroked his rough hair as she would have stroked her boy's. 

When he had finished he handed her the paper, saying tenderly, his eyesfull of tears:--

"Now you have one of the two left, and I have one, that is no more thanright. "

She took the order and reverently placing her hand upon his head, said:--

"The Lord bless you, Mr. President. May you live a thousand years, andmay you always be the head of this great nation. "

MEMORIAL DAY

(APRIL OR MAY)

FLAG DAY

(JUNE 14)

BETSY ROSS AND THE FLAG

BY HARRY PRINGLE FORD (ADAPTED)

On the 14th day of June, 1777, the Continental Congress passed thefollowing resolution: "RESOLVED, That the flag of the thirteen UnitedStates be thirteen stripes alternate red and white; that the Unionbe thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a newconstellation. "

We are told that previous to this, in 1776, a committee was appointed tolook after the matter, and together with General Washington they calledat the house of Betsy Ross, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia. 

Betsy Ross was a young widow of twenty-four heroically supportingherself by continuing the upholstery business of her late husband, youngJohn Ross, a patriot who had died in the service of his country. Betsy was noted for her exquisite needlework, and was engaged in theflag-making business. 

The committee asked her if she thought she could make a flag from adesign, a rough drawing of which General Washington showed her. Shereplied, with diffidence, that she did not know whether she could ornot, but would try. She noticed, however, that the star as drawn had sixpoints, and informed the committee that the correct star had but five. They answered that as a great number of stars would be required, themore regular form with six points could be more easily made than onewith five. 

She responded in a practical way by deftly folding a scrap ofpaper; then with a single clip of her scissors she displayed a true, symmetrical, five-pointed star. 

This decided the committee in her favor. A rough design was left for heruse, but she was permitted to make a sample flag according to her ownideas of the arrangement of the stars and the proportions of the stripesand the general form of the whole. 

Sometime after its completion it was presented to Congress, and thecommittee had the pleasure of informing Betsy Ross that her flag wasaccepted as the Nation's standard. 

THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER

BY EVA MARCH TAPPAN (ADAPTED)

In 1814, while the War of 1812 was still going on, the people ofMaryland were in great trouble, for a British fleet began to attackBaltimore. The enemy bombarded the forts, including Fort McHenry. Fortwenty-four hours the terrific bombardment went on. 

"If Fort McHenry only stands, the city is safe, " said Francis Scott Keyto a friend, and they gazed anxiously through the smoke to see if theflag was still flying. 

These two men were in the strangest place that could be imagined. Theywere in a little American vessel fast moored to the side of the Britishadmiral's flagship. A Maryland doctor had been seized as a prisoner bythe British, and the President had given permission for them to go outunder a flag of truce, to ask for his release. The British commanderfinally decided that the prisoner might be set free; but he had noidea of allowing the two men to go back to the city and carry anyinformation. "Until the attack on Baltimore is ended, you and your boatmust remain here, " he said. 

The firing went on. As long as daylight lasted they could catch glimpsesof the Stars and Stripes whenever the wind swayed the clouds of smoke. When night came they could still see the banner now and then by theblaze of the cannon. A little after midnight the firing stopped. The twomen paced up and down the deck, straining their eyes to see if the flagwas still flying. "Can the fort have surrendered?" they questioned. "Oh, if morning would only come!"

At last the faint gray of dawn appeared. They could see that some flagwas flying, but it was too dark to tell which. More and more eagerlythey gazed. It grew lighter, a sudden breath of wind caught the flag, and it floated out on the breeze. It was no English flag, it was theirown Stars and Stripes. The fort had stood, the city was safe. Then itwas that Key took from his pocket an old letter and on the back of it hewrote the poem, "The Star-Spangled Banner. "

The British departed, and the little American boat went back to thecity. Mr. Key gave a copy of the poem to his uncle, who had been helpingto defend the fort. The uncle sent it to the printer, and had it struckoff on some handbills. Before the ink was dry the printer caught up oneand hurried away to a restaurant, where many patriots were assembled. Waving the paper, he cried, "Listen to this!" and he read:--

 "O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say, does the star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"

"Sing it! sing it!" cried the whole company. Charles Durang mounted achair and then for the first time "The Star-Spangled Banner" was sung. The tune was "To Anacreon in Heaven, " an air which had long been afavorite. Halls, theaters, and private houses rang with its strains. 

The fleet was out of sight even before the poem was printed. In themiddle of the night the admiral had sent to the British soldiers thismessage, "I can do nothing more, " and they hurried on board the vessels. It was not long before they left Chesapeake Bay altogether, --perhapswith the new song ringing in their ears as they went. 

THE LITTLE DRUMMER-BOY

BY ALBERT BUSHNELL HART (ADAPTED)

A few days before a certain regiment received orders to join GeneralLyon, on his march to Wilson's Creek, the drummer-boy of the regimentwas taken sick, and carried to the hospital. 

Shortly after this there appeared before the captain's quarters, duringthe beating of the reveille, a good-looking, middle-aged woman, dressedin deep mourning, leading by the hand a sharp, sprightly looking boy, apparently about twelve or thirteen years of age. 

Her story was soon told. She was from East Tennessee, where her husbandhad been killed by the Confederates, and all her property destroyed. Being destitute, she thought that if she could procure a situation forher boy as drummer, she could find employment for herself. 

While she told her story, the little fellow kept his eyes intently fixedupon the countenance of the captain. And just as the latter was about tosay that he could not take so small a boy, the lad spoke out:--

"Don't be afraid, Captain, " said he, "I can drum. "

This was spoken with so much confidence that the captain smiled and saidto the sergeant:--

"Well, well, bring the drum, and order our fifer to come here. "

In a few moments a drum was produced and the fifer, a round-shouldered, good-natured fellow, who stood six feet tall, made his appearance. Uponbeing introduced to the lad, he stooped down, resting his hands on hisknees, and, after peering into the little fellow's face for a moment, said:--

"My little man, can you drum?"

"Yes, sir, " answered the boy promptly. "I drummed for Captain Hill inTennessee. "

The fifer immediately straightened himself, and, placing his fife tohis lips, played the "Flowers of Edinburgh, " one of the most difficultthings to follow with the drum. And nobly did the little fellow followhim, showing himself to be master of the drum. 

When the music ceased the captain turned to the mother and observed:--

"Madam, I will take the boy. What is his name?"

"Edward Lee, " she replied. Then placing her hand upon the captain's arm, she continued in a choking voice, "If he is not killed!--Captain, --youwill bring him back to me?"

"Yes, yes, " he replied, "we shall be certain to bring him back to you. We shall be discharged in six weeks. "

An hour after, the company led the regiment out of camp, the drum andfife playing "The Girl I left behind me. "

Eddie, as the soldiers called him, soon became a great favorite withall the men of the company. When any of the boys returned from foraging, Eddie's share of the peaches, melons, and other good things was metedout first. During the heavy and fatiguing marches, the long-legged fiferoften waded through the mud with the little drummer mounted on his back, and in the same fashion he carried Eddie when fording streams. 

During the fight at Wilson's Creek, a part of the company was stationedon the right of Totten's battery, while the balance of the company wasordered down into a deep ravine, at the left, in which it was known aparty of Confederates was concealed. 

An engagement took place. The contest in the ravine continued some time. Totten suddenly wheeled his battery upon the enemy in that quarter, andthey soon retreated to high ground behind their lines. 

In less than twenty minutes after Totten had driven the Confederatesfrom the ravine, the word passed from man to man throughout the army, "Lyon is killed!" And soon after, hostilities having ceased upon bothsides, the order came for the main part of the Federal force to fallback upon Springfield, while the lesser part was to camp upon theground, and cover the retreat. 

That night a corporal was detailed for guard duty. His post was upona high eminence that overlooked the deep ravine in which the men hadengaged the enemy. It was a dreary, lonesome beat. The hours passedslowly away, and at length the morning light began to streak along thewestern sky, making surrounding objects visible. 

Presently the corporal heard a drum beating up the morning call. Atfirst he thought it came from the camp of the Confederates across thecreek, but as he listened he found that it came from the deep ravine. For a few moments the sound stopped, then began again. The corporallistened closely. The notes of the drum were familiar to him, --and thenhe knew that it was the drummer-boy from Tennessee playing the morningcall. 

Just then the corporal was relieved from guard duty, and, askingpermission, went at once to Eddie's assistance. He started down thehill, through the thick underbrush, and upon reaching the bottom of theravine, he followed the sound of the drum, and soon found the lad seatedupon the ground, his back leaning against a fallen tree, while his drumhung upon a bush in front of him. 

As soon as the boy saw his rescuer he dropped his drumsticks, andexclaimed:--

"O Corporal! I am so glad to see you! Give me a drink. "

The soldier took his empty canteen, and immediately turned to bring somewater from the brook that he could hear rippling through the bushes nearby, when, Eddie, thinking that he was about to leave him, cried out:--

"Don't leave me, Corporal, I can't walk. "

The corporal was soon back with the water, when he discovered that boththe lad's feet had been shot away by a cannon-ball. 

After satisfying his thirst, Eddie looked up into the corporal's faceand said:--

"You don't think I shall die, do you? This man said I should not, --hesaid the surgeon could cure my feet. "

The corporal now looked about him and discovered a man lying in thegrass near by. By his dress he knew him to belong to the Confederatearmy. It appeared that he had been shot and had fallen near Eddie. Knowing that he could not live, and seeing the condition of thedrummer-boy, he had crawled to him, taken off his buckskin suspenders, and had corded the little fellow's legs below the knees, and then he hadlaid himself down and died. 

While Eddie was telling the corporal these particulars, they heard thetramp of cavalry coming down the ravine, and in a moment a scout of theenemy was upon them, and took them both prisoners. 

The corporal requested the officer in charge to take Eddie up in frontof him, and he did so, carrying the lad with great tenderness and care. When they reached the Confederate camp the little fellow was dead. 

A FLAG INCIDENT

BY M. M. THOMAS (ADAPTED)

When marching to Chattanooga the corps had reached a little woodedvalley between the mountains. The colonel, with others, rode ahead, and, striking into a bypath, suddenly came upon a secluded little cabinsurrounded by a patch of cultivated ground. 

At the door an old woman, eighty years of age, was supporting herselfon a crutch. As they rode up she asked if they were "Yankees, " and upontheir replying that they were, she said: "Have you got the Stars andStripes with you? My father fought the Tories in the Revolution, and myold eyes ache for a sight of the true flag before I die. "

To gratify her the colonel sent to have the colors brought that way. When they were unfurled and planted before her door, she passed hertrembling hands over them and held them close to her eyes that she mightview the stars once more. When the band gave her "Yankee Doodle, "and the "'Star-Spangled Banner, " she sobbed like a child, as did herdaughter, a woman of fifty, while her three little grandchildren gazedin wonder. 

They were Eastern people, who had gone to New Orleans to try to improvetheir condition. Not being successful, they had moved from place toplace to better themselves, until finally they had settled on this spot, the husband having taken several acres of land here for a debt. 

Then the war burst upon them. The man fled to the mountains to avoid theconscription, and they knew not whether he was alive or dead. They hadmanaged to support life, but were so retired that they saw very fewpeople. 

Leaving them food and supplies, the colonel and the corps passed on. 

TWO HERO-STORIES OF THE CIVIL WAR

BY BEN LA BREE (ADAPTED)

I. BRAVERY HONORED BY A FOE

In a rifle-pit, on the brow of a hill near Fredericksburg, were a numberof Confederate soldiers who had exhausted their ammunition in the vainattempt to check the advancing column of Hooker's finely equipped anddisciplined army which was crossing the river. To the relief of thesefew came the brigade in double-quick time. But no sooner were thesoldiers intrenched than the firing on the opposite side of the riverbecame terrific. 

A heavy mist obscured the scene. The Federal soldiers poured a mercilessfire into the trenches. Soon many Confederates fell, and the agonizedcries of the wounded who lay there calling for water, smote the heartsof their helpless comrades. 

"Water! Water!" But there was none to give, the canteens were-empty. 

"Boys, " exclaimed Nathan Cunningham, a lad of eighteen, the color-bearerfor his regiment, "I can't stand this any more. They want water, andwater they must have. So let me have a few canteens and I'll go forsome. "

Carefully laying the colors, which he had borne on many a field, in atrench, he seized some canteens, and, leaping into the mist, was soonout of sight. 

Shortly after this the firing ceased for a while, and an order came forthe men to fall back to the main line. 

As the Confederates were retreating they met Nathan Cunningham, hiscanteens full of water, hurrying to relieve the thirst of the woundedmen in the trenches. He glanced over the passing column and saw thatthe faded flag, which he had carried so long, was not there. The men intheir haste to obey orders HAD FORGOTTEN OR OVERLOOKED THE COLORS. 

Quickly the lad sped to the trenches, intent now not only on givingwater to his comrades, but on rescuing the flag and so to save the honorof his regiment. 

His mission of mercy was soon accomplished. The wounded men drankfreely. The lad then found and seized his colors, and turned to rejoinhis regiment. Scarcely had he gone three paces when a company of Federalsoldiers appeared ascending the hill. 

"Halt and surrender, " came the stern command, and a hundred rifles wereleveled at the boy's breast. 

"NEVER! while I hold the colors, " was his firm reply. 

The morning sun, piercing with a lurid glare the dense mist, showed thelad proudly standing with his head thrown back and his flag grasped inhis hand, while his unprotected breast was exposed to the fire of hisfoe. 

A moment's pause. Then the Federal officer gave his command:--

"Back with your pieces, men, don't shoot that brave boy. "

And Nathan Cunningham, with colors flying over his head, passed on andjoined his regiment. 

His comrades in arms still tell with pride of his brave deed and of thegenerous act of a foe. 

II. THE BRAVERY OF RICHARD KIRTLAND

Richard Kirtland was a sergeant in the Second Regiment of South CarolinaVolunteers. The day after the great battle of Fredericksburg, Kershaw'sbrigade occupied the road at the foot of Marye's Hill. 

One hundred and fifty yards in front of the road, on the other side ofa stone wall, lay Sykes's division of the United States Army. Betweenthese troops and Kershaw's command a skirmish fight was continuedthrough the entire day. The ground between the lines was literallycovered with dead and dying Federal soldiers. 

All day long the wounded were calling, "Water! water! water!"

In the afternoon, Sergeant Kirtland, a Confederate soldier, went to theheadquarters of General Kershaw, and said with deep emotion: "General, all through last night and to-day; I have been hearing those poorwounded Federal soldiers out there cry for water. Let me go and givethem some. "

"Don't you know, " replied the general, "that you would get a bulletthrough you the moment you stepped over the wall?"

"Yes, sir, " said the sergeant; "but if you will let me go I am willingto try it. "

The general reflected a minute, then answered: "Kirtland, I ought not toallow you to take this risk, but the spirit that moves you is so noble Icannot refuse. Go, and may God protect you!"

In the face of almost certain death the sergeant climbed the wall, watched with anxiety by the soldiers of his army. Under the curious gazeof his foes, and exposed to their fire, he dropped to the ground andhastened on his errand of mercy. Unharmed, untouched, he reached thenearest sufferer. He knelt beside him, tenderly raised his droopinghead, rested it gently on his breast, and poured the cooling life-givingwater down the parched throat. This done he laid him carefully down, placed the soldier's knapsack under his head, straightened his brokenlimbs, spread his coat over him, replaced the empty canteen with a fullone, then turned to another sufferer. 

By this time his conduct was understood by friend and foe alike and thefiring ceased on both sides. 

For an hour and a half did he pursue his noble mission, until he hadrelieved the wounded on all parts of the battlefield. Then he returnedto his post uninjured. 

Surely such a noble deed is worthy of the admiration of men and angels. 

THE YOUNG SENTINEL

BY Z. A. MUDGE (ADAPTED)

In the summer of 1862, a young man belonging to a Vermont regiment wasfound sleeping at his post. He was tried and sentenced to be shot. Theday was fixed for the execution, and the young soldier calmly preparedto meet his fate. 

Friends who knew of the case brought the matter to Mr. Lincoln'sattention. It seemed that the boy had been on duty one night, and onthe following night he had taken the place of a comrade too ill to standguard. The third night he had been again called out, and, being utterlyexhausted, had fallen asleep at his post. 

As soon as Mr. Lincoln understood the case, he signed a pardon, andsent it to the camp. The morning before the execution arrived, and thePresident had not heard whether the pardon had reached the officers incharge of the matter. He began to feel uneasy. He ordered a telegram tobe sent to the camp, but received no answer. State papers could notfix his mind, nor could he banish the condemned soldier boy from histhoughts. 

At last, feeling that he MUST KNOW that the lad was safe, he orderedthe carriage and rode rapidly ten miles over a dusty road and beneatha scorching sun. When he reached the camp he found that the pardon hadbeen received and the execution stayed. 

The sentinel was released, and his heart was filled with lastinggratitude. When the campaign opened in the spring, the young man waswith his regiment near Yorktown, Virginia. They were ordered to attack afort, and he fell at the first volley of the enemy. 

His comrades caught him up and carried him bleeding and dying from thefield. "Bear witness, " he said, "that I have proved myself not a coward, and I am not afraid to die. " Then, making a last effort, with his dyingbreath he prayed for Abraham Lincoln. 

THE COLONEL OF THE ZOUAVES

BY NOAH BROOKS (ADAPTED)

Among those who accompanied Mr. Lincoln, the President-elect, on hisjourney from Illinois to the national capital, was Elmer E. Ellsworth, a young man who had been employed in the law office of Lincoln andHerndon, Springfield. 

He was a brave, handsome, and impetuous youth, and was among the firstto offer his services to the President in defense of the Union, as soonas the mutterings of war were heard. 

Before the war he had organized a company of Zouaves from the Chicagofiremen, and had delighted and astonished many people by the exhibitionsof their skill in the evolutions through which they were put whilevisiting some chief cities of the Republic. 

Now, being commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army, he went to New York and organized from the firemen of that city asimilar regiment, known as the Eleventh New York. 

Colonel Ellsworth's Zouaves, on the evening of May 23, were sent witha considerable force to occupy the heights overlooking Washington andAlexandria, on the banks of the Potomac, opposite the national capital. 

Next day, seeing a Confederate flag flying from the Marshall House, a tavern in Alexandria kept by a secessionist, he went up through thebuilding to the roof and pulled it down. While on his way down thestairs, with the flag in his arms, he was met by the tavern-keeper, whoshot and killed him instantly. Ellsworth fell, dyeing the Confederateflag with the blood that gushed from his heart. The tavern-keeper wasinstantly killed by a shot from Private Brownell, of the EllsworthZouaves, who was at hand when his commander fell. 

The death of Ellsworth, needless though it may have been, caused aprofound sensation throughout the country, where he was well known. Hewas among the very first martyrs of the war, as he had been one of thefirst volunteers. 

Lincoln was overwhelmed with sorrow. He had the body of the lamentedyoung officer taken to the White House, where it lay in state until theburial took place, and, even in the midst of his increasing cares, hefound time to sit alone and in grief-stricken meditation by the bier ofthe dead young soldier of whose career he had cherished so great hopes. 

The life-blood from Ellsworth's heart had stained not only theConfederate flag, but a gold medal found under his uniform, bearing thelegend: "Non solum nobis, sed pro patria"; "Not for ourselves alone, butfor the country. "

GENERAL SCOTT AND THE STARS AND STRIPES

BY E. D. TOWNSEND (ADAPTED)

One day, as the general was sitting at his table in the office, themessenger announced that a person desired to see him a moment in orderto present a gift. 

A German was introduced, who said that he was commissioned by a house inNew York to present General Scott with a small silk banner. It was veryhandsome, of the size of a regimental flag, and was made of a singlepiece of silk stamped with the Stars and Stripes of the proper colors. 

The German said that the manufacturers who had sent the banner, wishedto express thus the great respect they felt for General Scott, and theirsense of his importance to the country in that perilous time. 

The general was highly pleased, and, in accepting the gift, assuredthe donors that the flag should hang in his room wherever he went, andenshroud him when he died. 

As soon as the man was gone, the general desired that the stars might becounted to see if ALL the States were represented. They were ALL there. 

The flag was then draped between the windows over the couch where thegeneral frequently reclined for rest during the day. It went with him inhis berth when he sailed for Europe, after his retirement, and envelopedhis coffin when he was interred at West Point. 

INDEPENDENCE DAY

(JULY 4)

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

BY WASHINGTON IRVING

While danger was gathering round New York, and its inhabitants werein mute suspense and fearful anticipations, the General Congressat Philadelphia was discussing, with closed doors, what John Adamspronounced: "The greatest question ever debated in America, and as greatas ever was or will be debated among men. " The result was, a resolutionpassed unanimously on the 2d of July; "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States. "

"The 2d of July, " adds the same patriot statesman, "will be the mostmemorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that itwill be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversaryfestival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, bysolemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It ought to be solemnized withpomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, andilluminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from thistime forth forevermore. "

The glorious event has, indeed, given rise to an annual jubilee; butnot on the day designated by Adams. The FOURTH of July is the day ofnational rejoicing, for on that day the "Declaration of Independence, "that solemn and sublime document, was adopted. 

Tradition gives a dramatic effect to its announcement. It was knownto be under discussion, but the closed doors of Congress excluded thepopulace. They awaited, in throngs, an appointed signal. In the steepleof the State House was a bell, imported twenty-three years previouslyfrom London by the Provincial Assembly of Pennsylvania. It bore theportentous text from Scripture: "Proclaim Liberty throughout all theland, unto all the inhabitants thereof. " A joyous peal from that bellgave notice that the bill had been passed. It was the knell of Britishdomination. 

THE SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

BY H. A. GUERBER [4]

[Footnote 4: From The Story of the Thirteen Colonies. Copyright, 1898, by H. A. Guerber. American Book Company, publishers. ]

John Hancock, President of Congress, was the first to sign theDeclaration of Independence, writing his name in large, plain letters, and saying:--

"There! John Bull can read my name without spectacles. Now let himdouble the price on my head, for this is my defiance. "

Then he turned to the other members, and solemnly declared:--

"We must be unanimous. There must be no pulling different ways. We mustall hang together. "

"Yes, " said Franklin, quaintly: "we must all hang together, or mostassuredly we shall all hang separately. "

We are told that Charles Carroll, thinking that his writing lookedshaky, added the words, "of Carrollton, " so that the king should not beable to make any mistake as to whose name stood there. 

A BRAVE GIRL

BY JAMES JOHONNOT (ADAPTED) [41]

[Footnote 41: From Stories of Heroic Deeds. Copyright, 1887, by D. Appleton and Company. American Book Company, publishers. ]

In the year 1781 the war was chiefly carried on in the South, but theNorth was constantly troubled by bands of Tories and Indians, who wouldswoop down on small settlements and make off with whatever they couldlay their hands on. 

During this time General Schuyler was staying at his house, which stoodjust outside the stockade or walls of Albany. The British commander sentout a party of Tories and Indians to capture the general. 

When they reached the outskirts of the city they learned from a Dutchlaborer that the general's house was guarded by six soldiers, threewatching by night and three by day. They let the Dutchman go, and assoon as the band was out of sight he hastened to Albany and warned thegeneral of their approach. 

Schuyler gathered his family in one of the upper rooms of his house, and giving orders that the doors and windows should be barred, fired apistol from a top-story window, to alarm the neighborhood. 

The soldiers on guard, who had been lounging in the shade of a tree, started to their feet at the sound of the pistol; but, alas! too late, for they found themselves surrounded by a crowd of dusky forms, whobound them hand and foot, before they had time to resist. 

In the room upstairs was the sturdy general, standing resolutely at thedoor, with gun in hand, while his black slaves were gathered about him, each with a weapon. At the other end of the room the women were huddledtogether, some weeping and some praying. 

Suddenly a deafening crash was heard. The Indian band had brokeninto the house. With loud shouts they began to pillage and to destroyeverything in sight. While they were yet busy downstairs, Mrs. Schuylersprang to her feet and rushed to the door; for she had suddenlyremembered that the baby, who was only a few months old, was asleep inits cradle in a room on the first floor. 

The general caught his wife in his arms, and implored her not to go tocertain death, saying that if any one was to go he would. While thisgenerous struggle between husband and wife was going on, their youngdaughter, who had been standing near the door, glided by them, anddescended the stairs. 

All was dark in the hall, excepting where the light shone from thedining-room in which the Indians were pillaging the shelves and fightingover their booty. How to get past the dining-room door was the question, but the brave girl did not hesitate. Reaching the lower hall, she walkedvery deliberately forward, softly but quickly passing the door, andunobserved reached the room in which was the cradle. 

She caught up the baby, crept back past the open door, and was justmounting the stairs, when one of the savages happened to see her. 

"WHIZ"--and his sharp tomahawk struck the stair rail within a few inchesof the baby's head. But the frightened girl hurried on, and in a fewseconds was safe in her father's arms. 

As for the Indians, fearing an attack from the near-by garrison, theyhastened away with the booty they had collected, and left GeneralSchuyler and his family unharmed. 

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY

BY JOHN ANDREWS (ADAPTED) [5]

[Footnote 5: From a letter written to a friend in 1773. ]

On November 29, 1773, there arrived in Boston Harbor a ship carrying anhundred and odd chests of the detested tea. The people in the countryroundabout, as well as the town's folk, were unanimous against allowingthe landing of it; but the agents in charge of the consignment persistedin their refusal to take the tea back to London. The town bells wererung, for a general muster of the citizens. Handbills were stuck upcalling on "Friends! Citizens! Countrymen!"

Mr. Rotch, the owner of the ship, found himself exposed not only to theloss of his ship, but to the loss of the money-value of the tea itself, if he should attempt to send her back without clearance papers from thecustom-house; for the admiral kept a vessel in readiness to seizeany ship which might leave without those papers. Therefore, Mr. Rotchdeclared that his ship should not carry back the tea without eitherthe proper clearance or the promise of full indemnity for any losses hemight incur. 

Matters continued thus for some days, when a general muster was calledof the people of Boston and of all the neighboring towns. They met, tothe number of five or six thousand, at ten o'clock in the morning, inthe Old South Meeting-House; where they passed a unanimous vote THAT THETEA SHOULD GO OUT OF THE HARBOR THAT AFTERNOON!

A committee, with Mr. Rotch, was sent to the custom-house to demand aclearance. This the collector said he could not give without the dutiesfirst being paid. Mr. Rotch was then sent to ask for a pass fromthe governor, who returned answer that "consistent with the rules ofgovernment and his duty to the king he could not grant one without theyproduced a previous clearance from the office. "

By the time Mr. Rotch returned to the Old South Meeting-House withthis message, the candles were lighted and the house still crowded withpeople. When the governor's message was read a prodigious shout wasraised, and soon afterward the moderator declared the meeting dissolved. This caused another general shout, outdoors and in, and what withthe noise of breaking up the meeting, one might have thought that theinhabitants of the infernal regions had been let loose. 

That night there mustered upon Fort Hill about two hundred strangefigures, SAID TO BE INDIANS FROM NARRAGANSETT. They were clothed inblankets, with heads muffled, and had copper-colored countenances. Eachwas armed with a hatchet or axe, and a pair of pistols. They spoke astrange, unintelligible jargon. 

They proceeded two by two to Griffin's Wharf, where three tea-ships lay, each with one hundred and fourteen chests of the ill-fated article onboard. And before nine o'clock in the evening every chest was knockedinto pieces and flung over the sides. 

Not the least insult was offered to any one, save one Captain Conner, who had ripped up the linings of his coat and waistcoat, and, watchinghis opportunity, had filled them with tea. But, being detected, he washandled pretty roughly. They not only stripped him of his clothes, butgave him a coat of mud, with a severe bruising into the bargain. Nothingbut their desire not to make a disturbance prevented his being tarredand feathered. 

The tea being thrown overboard, all the Indians disappeared in a mostmarvelous fashion. 

The next day, if a stranger had walked through the streets of Boston, and had observed the calm composure of the people, he would hardly havethought that ten thousand pounds sterling of East India Company's teahad been destroyed the night before. 

A GUNPOWDER STORY

BY JOHN ESTEN COOKE (ADAPTED)

[Footnote 6: From Stories of the Old Dominion. Used by permission of theAmerican Book Company, publishers. ]

In the autumn of 1777 the English decided to attack Fort Henry, atWheeling, in northwestern Virginia. This was an important border fortnamed in honor of Patrick Henry, and around which had grown up a smallvillage of about twenty-five log houses. 

A band of Indians, under the leadership of one Simon Girty, was suppliedby the English with muskets and ammunition, and sent against the fort. This Girty was a white man, who, when a boy, had been captured byIndians, and brought up by them. He had joined their tribes, and was aferocious and bloodthirsty leader of savage bands. 

When the settlers at Wheeling heard that Simon Girty and his Indianswere advancing on the town, they left their homes and hastened into thefort. Scarcely had they done so when the savages made their appearance. 

The defenders of the fort knew that a desperate fight must now takeplace, and there seemed little probability that they would be able tohold out against their assailants. They had only forty two fighting men, including old men and boys, while the Indian force numbered about fivehundred. 

What was worse they had but a small amount of gunpowder. A kegcontaining the main supply had been left by accident in one of thevillage houses. This misfortune, as you will soon see, brought about thebrave action of a young girl. 

After several encounters with the savages, which took place in thevillage, the defenders withdrew to the fort. Then a number of Indiansadvanced with loud yells, firing as they came. The fire was returnedby the defenders, each of whom had picked out his man, and taken deadlyaim. Most of the attacking party were killed, and the whole body ofIndians fell back into the near-by woods, and there awaited a morefavorable opportunity to renew hostilities. 

The men in the fort now discovered, to their great dismay, that theirgunpowder was nearly gone. What was to be done? Unless they could getanother supply, they would not be able to hold the fort, and they andtheir women and children would either be massacred or carried intocaptivity. 

Colonel Shepherd, who was in command, explained to the settlers exactlyhow matters stood. He also told them of the forgotten keg of powderwhich was in a house standing about sixty yards from the gate of thefort. 

It was plain to all that if any man should attempt to procure the keg, he would almost surely be shot by the lurking Indians. In spite of thisthree or four young men volunteered to go on the dangerous mission. 

Colonel Shepherd replied that he could not spare three or four strongmen, as there were already too few for the defense. Only one man shouldmake the attempt and they might decide who was to go. This caused adispute. 

Just then a young girl stepped forward and said that SHE was readyto go. Her name was Elizabeth Zane, and she had just returned from aboarding-school in Philadelphia. This made her brave offer all the moreremarkable, since she had not been bred up to the fearless life of theborder. 

At first the men would not hear of her running such a risk. She was toldthat it meant certain death. But she urged that they could not sparea man from the defense, and that the loss of one girl would not be animportant matter. So after some discussion the settlers agreed that sheshould go for the powder. 

The house, as has already been stated, stood about sixty yards from thefort, and Elizabeth hoped to run thither and bring back the powder in afew minutes. The gate was opened, and she passed through, running like adeer. 

A few straggling Indians were dodging about the log houses of the town;they saw the fleeing girl, but for some reason they did not fire uponher. They may have supposed that she was returning to her home to rescueher clothes. Possibly they thought it a waste of good ammunition to fireat a woman, when they were so sure of taking the fort before long. Sothey looked on quietly while, with flying skirts, Elizabeth ran acrossthe open, and entered the house. 

She found the keg of powder, which was not large. She lifted it withboth arms, and, holding the precious burden close to her breast, shedarted out of the house and ran in the direction of the fort. 

When the Indians saw what she was carrying they uttered fierce yellsand fired. The bullets fell like hail about her, but not one so much astouched her garments. With the keg hugged to her bosom, she ran on, andreached the fort in safety. The gate closed upon her just as the bulletsof the Indians buried themselves in its thick panels. 

The rescued gunpowder enabled the little garrison to hold out until helparrived from the other settlements near Wheeling. And Girty, seeing thatthere were no further hopes of taking Fort Henry, withdrew his band. 

Thus a weak but brave girl was the means of saving strong men with theirwives and children. It was a heroic act, and Americans should neverforget to honor the name of Elizabeth Zane. 

THE CAPTURE OF FORT TICONDEROGA

BY WASHINGTON IRVING (ADAPTED)

Some bold spirits in Connecticut conceived the project of surprising theold forts of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, already famous in the FrenchWar. Their situation on Lake Champlain gave them the command of the mainroute into Canada so that the possession of them would be all-importantin case of hostilities. They were feebly garrisoned and negligentlyguarded, and abundantly furnished with artillery and military stores soneeded by the patriot army. 

At this juncture Ethan Allen stepped forward, a patriot, and volunteeredwith his "Green Mountain Boys. " He was well fitted for the enterprise. During the border warfare over the New Hampshire Grants, he and hislieutenants had been outlawed by the Legislature of New York andrewards offered for their apprehension. He and his associates had armedthemselves, set New York at defiance, and had sworn they would be thedeath of any one who should try to arrest them. 

Thus Ethan Allen had become a kind of Robin Hood among the mountains. His experience as a frontier champion, his robustness of mind andbody, and his fearless spirit made him a most desirable leader in theexpedition against Fort Ticonderoga. Therefore he was appointed at thehead of the attacking force. 

Accompanied by Benjamin Arnold and two other officers, Allen and hisparty of soldiers who had been enlisted from several States, set outand arrived at Shoreham, opposite Fort Ticonderoga on the shore of LakeChamplain. They reached the place at night-time. There were only a fewboats on hand, but the transfer of men began immediately. It was slowwork. The night wore away; day was about to break, and but eighty-threemen, with Allen and Arnold, had crossed. Should they wait for the restto cross over, day would dawn, the garrison wake, and their enterprisemight fail. 

Allen drew up his men, addressed them in his own emphatic style, andannounced his intention of making a dash at the fort without waiting formore force. 

"It is a desperate attempt, " said he, "and I ask no man to go againsthis will. I will take the lead, and be the first to advance. You thatare willing to follow, poise your firelocks!"

Not a firelock but was poised!

They mounted the hill briskly but in silence, guided by a boy from theneighborhood. 

The day dawned as Allen arrived at a sally-port. A sentry pulled triggeron him, but his piece missed fire. He retreated through a covered way. Allen and his men followed. Another sentry thrust at an officer with hisbayonet, but was struck down by Allen, and begged for quarter. It wasgranted on condition of his leading the way instantly to the quarters ofthe commandant, Captain Delaplace, who was yet in bed. 

Being arrived there, Allen thundered at the door, and demanded asurrender of the fort. By this time his followers had formed into twolines on the parade-ground, and given three hearty cheers. 

The commandant appeared at the door half-dressed, the frightened faceof his pretty wife peering over his shoulder. He gazed at Allen inbewildered astonishment. 

"By whose authority do you act?" exclaimed he. 

"In the name of the Continental Congress!" replied Allen, with aflourish of his sword, and an oath which we do not care to subjoin. 

There was no disputing the point. The garrison, like the commandant, had been startled from sleep, and made prisoners as they rushed forthin their confusion. A surrender accordingly took place. The captainand forty-eight men who composed his garrison were sent prisoners toHartford, in Connecticut. 

And thus without the loss of a single man, one of the important forts, commanding the main route into Canada, fell into the hands of thepatriots. 

WASHINGTON AND THE COWARDS

BY WASHINGTON IRVING (ADAPTED)

During the evacuation of New York by Washington, two divisions of theenemy, encamped on Long Island, one British under Sir Henry Clinton, theother Hessian under Colonel Donop, emerged in boats from the deep woodedrecesses of Newtown Inlet, and under cover of the fire from the shipsbegan to land at two points between Turtle and Kip's Bays. 

The breastworks were manned by patriot militia who had recently servedin Brooklyn. Disheartened by their late defeat, they fled at the firstadvance of the enemy. Two brigades of Putnam's Connecticut troops, which had been sent that morning to support them, caught the panic, and, regardless of the commands and entreaties of their officers, joined inthe general scamper. 

At this moment Washington, who had mounted his horse at the first soundof the cannonade, came galloping to the scene of confusion. Riding inamong the fugitives he endeavored to rally and restore them to order. All in vain. At the first appearance of sixty or seventy redcoats, theybroke again without firing a shot, and fled in headlong terror. 

Losing all self-command at the sight of such dastardly conduct, Washington dashed his hat upon the ground in a transport of rage. 

"Are these the men, " exclaimed he, "with whom I am to defend America!"

In a paroxysm of passion and despair he snapped his pistols at some ofthem, threatened others with his sword, and was so heedless of his owndanger that he might have fallen into the hands of the enemy, who werenot eighty yards distant, had not an aide-de-camp seized the bridle ofhis horse, and absolutely hurried him away. 

It was one of the rare moments of his life when the vehement element ofhis nature was stirred up from its deep recesses. He soon recovered hisself-possession, and took measures against the general peril. 

LABOR DAY

(FIRST MONDAY IN SEPTEMBER)

THE SMITHY

A HINDU FABLE

BY P. V. RAMASWAMI RAJU (ADAPTED)

Once words ran high in a smithy. 

The furnace said: "If I cease to burn, the smithy must close. "

The bellows said: "If I cease to blow, no fire, no smithy. "

The hammer and anvil, also, each claimed the sole credit for keeping upthe smithy. 

The ploughshare that had been shaped by the furnace, the bellows, thehammer and the anvil, cried: "It is not each of you alone, that keeps upthe smithy, but ALL TOGETHER. "

THE NAIL

BY THE BROTHERS GRIMM (TRANSLATED)[7]

[Footnote 7: From the Riverside Fourth Reader. ]

A merchant had done good business at the fair; he had sold his wares, and filled his bag with gold and silver. Then he set out at once on hisjourney home, for he wished to be in his own house before night. 

At noon he rested in a town. When he wanted to go on, the stable-boybrought his horse, saying:

"A nail is wanting, sir, in the shoe of his left hind foot. "

"Let it be wanting, " answered the merchant; "the shoe will stay on forthe six miles I have still to go. I am in a hurry. "

In the afternoon he got down at an inn and had his horse fed. Thestable-boy came into the room to him and said: "Sir, a shoe is wantingfrom your horse's left hind foot. Shall I take him to the blacksmith?"

"Let it still be wanting, " said the man; "the horse can very well holdout for a couple of miles more. I am in a hurry. "

So the merchant rode forth, but before long the horse began to limp. Hehad not limped long before he began to stumble, and he had not stumbledlong before he fell down and broke his leg. The merchant had to leavethe horse where he fell, and unstrap the bag, take it on his back, andgo home on foot. 

"That unlucky nail, " said he to himself, "has made all this trouble. "

THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER

BY HORACE E. SCUDDER

There was once a shoemaker who worked very hard and was honest. Still, he could not earn enough to live on. At last, all he had in the worldwas gone except just leather enough to make one pair of shoes. He cutthese out at night, and meant to rise early the next morning to makethem up. 

His heart was light in spite of his troubles, for his conscience wasclear. So he went quietly to bed, left all his cares to God, and fellasleep. In the morning he said his prayers, and sat down to work, when, to his great wonder, there stood the shoes, already made, upon thetable. 

The good man knew not what to say or think. He looked at the work. Therewas not one false stitch in the whole job. All was neat and true. 

That same day a customer came in, and the shoes pleased him so well thathe readily paid a price higher than usual for them. The shoemaker tookthe money and bought leather enough to make two pairs more. He cut outthe work in the evening, and went to bed early. He wished to be up withthe sun and get to work. 

He was saved all trouble, for when he got up in the morning, the workwas done. Pretty soon buyers came in, who paid him well for his goods. So he bought leather enough for four pairs more. 

He cut out the work again overnight, and found it finished in themorning as before. So it went on for some time. What was got ready atnight was always done by daybreak, and the good man soon was well-to-do. 

One evening, at Christmas-time, he and his wife sat over the fire, chatting, and he said: "I should like to sit up and watch to-night, thatwe may see who it is that comes and does my work for me. " So they leftthe light burning, and hid themselves behind a curtain to see what wouldhappen. 

As soon as it was midnight, there came two little Elves. They sat uponthe shoemaker's bench, took up all the work that was cut out, and beganto ply their little fingers. They stitched and rapped and tapped at sucha rate that the shoemaker was amazed, and could not take his eyes offthem for a moment. 

On they went till the job was done, and the shoes stood, ready for use, upon the table. This was long before daybreak. Then they ran away asquick as lightning. 

The next day the wife said to the shoemaker: "These little Elves havemade us rich, and we ought to be thankful to them, and do them somegood in return. I am vexed to see them run about as they do. They havenothing upon their backs to keep off the cold. I'll tell you what wemust do. I will make each of them a shirt, and a coat and waistcoat, anda pair of pantaloons into the bargain. Do you make each of them a littlepair of shoes. "

The good shoemaker liked the thought very well. One evening he and hiswife had the clothes ready, and laid them on the table instead of thework they used to cut out. Then they went and hid behind the curtain towatch what the little Elves would do. 

At midnight the Elves came in and were going to sit down at their workas usual. But when they saw the clothes lying there for them, theylaughed and were in high glee. They dressed themselves in the twinklingof an eye, and danced and capered and sprang about as merry as could be, till at last they danced out of the door, and over the green. 

The shoemaker saw them no more, but everything went well with him aslong as he lived. 

THE HILLMAN AND THE HOUSEWIFE

BY JULIANA HORATIA EWING (ADAPTED)

It is well known that the Fairy People cannot abide meanness. They liketo be liberally dealt with when they beg or borrow of the human race;and, on the other hand, to those who come to them in need, they areinvariably generous. 

Now there once lived a certain housewife who had a sharp eye to her owninterests, and gave alms of what she had no use for, hoping to get somereward in return. One day a Hillman knocked at her door. 

"Can you lend us a saucepan, good mother?" said he. "There's a weddingin the hill, and all the pots are in use. "

"Is he to have one?" asked the servant lass who had opened the door. 

"Aye, to be sure, " answered the housewife; "one must be neighborly. "

But when the maid was taking a saucepan from the shelf, the housewifepinched her arm and whispered sharply: "Not that, you good-for-nothing!Get the old one out of the cupboard. It leaks, and the Hillmen are soneat, and such nimble workers, that they are sure to mend it before theysend it home. So one obliges the Fairy People, and saves sixpence intinkering!"

Thus bidden the maid fetched the saucepan, which had been laid by untilthe tinker's next visit, and gave it to the Hillman, who thanked her andwent away. 

In due time the saucepan was returned, and, as the housewife hadforeseen, it was neatly mended and ready for use. 

At supper-time the maid filled the pan with milk, and set it on the firefor the children's supper. But in a few minutes the milk was so burntand smoked that no one could touch it, and even the pigs refused todrink it. 

"Ah, good-for-nothing hussy!" cried the housewife, as she refilled thepan herself, "you would ruin the richest with your carelessness! There'sa whole quart of good milk wasted at once!"

"AND THAT'S TWOPENCE!" cried a voice that seemed to come from thechimney, in a whining tone, like some discontented old body going overher grievances. 

The housewife had not left the saucepan for two minutes, when the milkboiled over, and it was all burnt and smoked as before. 

"The pan must be dirty, " muttered the good woman in vexation, "and thereare two full quarts of milk as good as thrown to the dogs. "

"AND THAT'S FOURPENCE!" added the voice in the chimney. 

After a thorough cleaning the saucepan was once more filled and set onthe fire, but with no better success. The milk boiled over again, andwas hopelessly spoiled. The housewife shed tears of anger at the wasteand cried: "Never before did such a thing befall me since I kept house!Three quarts of new milk burnt for one meal. "

"AND THAT'S SIXPENCE!" cried the voice in the chimney. "You didn't savethe tinkering after all, mother!"

With that the Hillman himself came tumbling down from the chimney, andwent off laughing through the door. 

But from then on the saucepan was as good as any other. 

HOFUS THE STONE-CUTTER

A JAPANESE LEGEND

FROM THE RIVERSIDE THIRD READER (ADAPTED)

Once upon a time in Japan, there was a poor stone-cutter, named Hofus, who used to go every day to the mountain-side to cut great blocks ofstone. He lived near the mountain in a little stone hut, and worked hardand was happy. 

One day he took a load of stone to the house of a rich man. There he sawso many beautiful things that when he went back to his mountain he couldthink of nothing else. Then he began to wish that he too might sleep ina bed as soft as down, with curtains of silk, and tassels of gold. Andhe sighed:--

 "Ah me! Ah me! If Hofus only were rich as he!"

To his surprise, the voice of the Mountain Spirit answered:--

 "Have thou thy wish!"

When Hofus returned home that evening his little hut was gone, and inits place stood a great palace. It was filled with beautiful things, andthe best of all was a bed of down, with curtains of silk and tassels ofgold. 

Hofus decided to work no more. But he was not used to being idle, andtime passed slowly, --the days seemed very long. 

One day as he sat by the window he saw a carriage dash past. It wasdrawn by snow-white horses. In it sat a prince, while before and behindwere servants in suits of blue and white. One was holding a goldenumbrella over the prince. 

When the stone-cutter saw this, he began to feel unhappy, and hesighed:--

 "Ah me! Ah me! If Hofus only a prince might be!"

And again the same voice that he had heard on the mountain answered:--

 "Be thou a prince!"

Straightway Hofus was a prince. He had servants dressed in crimson andgold, and he rode in a carriage with a golden umbrella over his head. 

For a short time he was happy, but one day, as he walked in the garden, he saw that the flowers were drooping, the grass was dry and brown. Andwhen he rode out he felt the hot sun burn him in spite of his umbrella. 

"The sun is mightier than I, " thought he, and then he sighed:--

 "Ah me! Ah me! If Hofus only the sun might be!"

And the voice answered:--

 "Be thou the sun!"

Straightway the great sun he became. He burned the grass and ricefields. He dried up the streams. Rich and poor alike suffered from theterrible heat. 

One day a cloud came and rested in front of him, and hid the earth fromhis sight. He was angry and cried:--

 "Ah me! Ah me! If Hofus only a cloud might be!"

And the voice answered:--

 "Be thou a cloud!"

Straightway a cloud he became. He floated before the face of the sun, and hid the earth from it. 

Then day after day the cloud dropped rain. The rivers overflowed, andthe rice-fields were covered with water. Towns were swept away. Only thegreat rocks on the mountain-side stood unmoved midst the flood. 

The cloud looked at them in wonder, then he sighed:--

 "Ah me! Ah me! If Hofus only a rock might be!"

And the voice answered:--

 "Be thou a rock!"

Straightway a rock he became. Proudly he stood. The sun could not burnhim and the rain could not move him. 

"Now, at last, " he said, "no one is mightier than I. "

But one day he was waked from his dreams by a noise, --tap! tap!tap!--down at his feet. He looked and there was a stone-cutter drivinghis tool into the rock. Another blow and the great rock shivered; ablock of stone broke away. 

"That man is mightier than I!" cried Hofus, and he sighed:--

 "Ah me! Ah me! If Hofus only the man might be!"

And the voice answered:--

 "Be thou thyself!"

And straightway Hofus was himself again, --a poor stone-cutter, workingall day upon the mountain-side, and going home at night to his littlehut. But he was content and happy, and never again did he wish to beother than Hofus the stone-cutter. 

ARACHNE

BY JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY

There was a certain maiden of Lydia, Arachne by name, renownedthroughout the country for her skill as a weaver. She was as nimble withher fingers as Calypso, that Nymph who kept Odysseus for seven years inher enchanted island. She was as untiring as Penelope, the hero's wife, who wove day after day while she watched for his return. Day in andday out, Arachne wove too. The very Nymphs would gather about her loom, Naiads from the water and Dryads from the trees. 

"Maiden, " they would say, shaking the leaves or the foam from theirhair, in wonder, "Pallas Athena must have taught you!"

But this did not please Arachne. She would not acknowledge herself adebtor, even to that goddess who protected all household arts, and bywhose grace alone one had any skill in them. 

"I learned not of Athena, " said she. "If she can weave better, let hercome and try. "

The Nymphs shivered at this, and an aged woman, who was looking on, turned to Arachne. 

"Be more heedful of your words, my daughter, " said she. "The goddess maypardon you if you ask forgiveness, but do not strive for honors with theimmortals. "

Arachne broke her thread, and the shuttle stopped humming. 

"Keep your counsel, " she said. "I fear not Athena; no, nor any oneelse. "

As she frowned at the old woman, she was amazed to see her changesuddenly into one tall, majestic, beautiful, --a maiden of gray eyes andgolden hair, crowned with a golden helmet. It was Athena herself. 

The bystanders shrank in fear and reverence; only Arachne was unawed andheld to her foolish boast. 

In silence the two began to weave, and the Nymphs stole nearer, coaxedby the sound of the shuttles, that seemed to be humming with delightover the two webs, --back and forth like bees. 

They gazed upon the loom where the goddess stood plying her task, andthey saw shapes and images come to bloom out of the wondrous colors, assunset clouds grow to be living creatures when we watch them. And theysaw that the goddess, still merciful, was spinning; as a warning forArachne, the pictures of her own triumph over reckless gods and mortals. 

In one corner of the web she made a story of her conquest over thesea-god Poseidon. For the first king of Athens had promised to dedicatethe city to that god who should bestow upon it the most usefulgift. Poseidon gave the horse. But Athena gave the olive, --means oflivelihood, --symbol of peace and prosperity, and the city was calledafter her name. Again she pictured a vain woman of Troy, who had beenturned into a crane for disputing the palm of beauty with a goddess. Other corners of the web held similar images, and the whole shone like arainbow. 

Meanwhile Arachne, whose head was quite turned with vanity, embroideredher web with stories against the gods, making light of Zeus himself andof Apollo, and portraying them as birds and beasts. But she wove withmarvelous skill; the creatures seemed to breathe and speak, yet it wasall as fine as the gossamer that you find on the grass before rain. 

Athena herself was amazed. Not even her wrath at the girl's insolencecould wholly overcome her wonder. For an instant she stood entranced;then she tore the web across, and three times she touched Arachne'sforehead with her spindle. 

"Live on, Arachne, " she said. "And since it is your glory to weave, youand yours must weave forever. " So saying, she sprinkled upon the maidena certain magical potion. 

Away went Arachne's beauty; then her very human form shrank to that of aspider, and so remained. As a spider she spent all her days weaving andweaving; and you may see something like her handiwork any day among therafters. 

THE METAL KING

A GERMAN FOLE-TALE

(ADAPTED)

Once long ago there was a high mountain whose rocks were veined withgold and silver and seamed with iron. At times, from a huge rent in themountain-side, there shot out roaring, red flames, and clouds of blacksmoke. And when the village folk in the valley below saw this, theywould say: "Look! the Metal King is at his forge. " For they knew that inthe gloomy heart of the mountain, the Metal King and his Spirits of theMines wrought in gold and iron. 

When the storm raged over the valley, the Metal King left his cavernand riding on the wings of the wind, with thundering shouts, hurledhis red-hot bolts into the valley, now killing the peasants and theircattle, now burning houses and barns. 

But when the weather was soft and mild, and the breezes blew gentlyabout the mouth of his cavern, the Metal King returned to his forge inthe depths of the mountain, and there shaped ploughshares and many otherimplements of iron. These he placed outside his cavern door, as gifts tothe poor peasants. 

It happened, on a time, there lived in that valley a lazy lad, whowould neither till his fields nor ply a trade. He was avaricious, but helonged to win gold without mining, and wealth and fame without labor. Soit came to pass that he set out one day to find the mountain treasure ofthe Metal King. 

Taking a lighted lantern in one hand, a hatchet in the other, and abundle of twigs under his arm, he entered the dark cavern. The dampnesssmote his cheek, bats flapped their wings in his face. Shivering withfear and cold, he pressed on through a long passage under an archedand blackened roof. As he passed along he dropped his twigs, one afteranother, so that they might guide him aright when he returned. 

He came at last to a place where the passage branched off in twodirections, --to the right and to the left. Choosing the right-hand path, he walked on and at length came to an iron door. He struck it twice withhis hammer. It flew open, and a strong current of air rushing forth putout his light. 

"Come in! Come in!" shouted a voice like the rolling of thunder, and thecavern echoes gave back the sounds. 

Almost overcome by terror and shivering in every limb, the lad entered. As he stepped forward a dazzling light shone from the vaulted roofupheld by massive columns, and across the crystal side-walls flitteredcurious, shadowy figures. 

The Metal King, huge and fierce-eyed, surrounded by the misshapenSpirits of the Mines, sat upon a block of pure silver, with a pile ofshining gold lying before him. 

"Come in, my friend!" he shouted again, and again the echoes rolledthrough the cavern. 

"Come near, and sit beside me. "

The lad advanced, pale and trembling, and took his seat upon the silverblock. 

"Bring out more treasure, " cried the Metal King, and at his command theMountain Spirits fluttered away like dreams, only to return in a momentand pile high before the wondering lad bars of red gold, mounds ofsilver coin, and stacks of precious jewels. 

And when the lad saw all that wealth he felt his heart burst withlonging to grasp it, but when he tried to put out his hand, he foundthat he could not move his arm, nor could he lift his feet, nor turn hishead. 

"Thou seest these riches, " said the Metal King; "they are but a handfulcompared with those thou mayest gain if thou wilt work with us in themines. Hard is the service but rich the reward! Only say the word, andfor a year and a day thou shalt be a Mountain Spirit. "

"Nay, " stammered the lad, in great terror, "nay, I came not to work. AllI beg of thee is one bar of gold and a handful of the jewels that liehere. If they are mine I can dress better than the village lads, andride in my own coach!"

"Lazy, ungrateful wretch!" cried the Metal King, rising from his seat, while his figure seemed to tower until his head touched the cavern roof, "wouldst thou seize without pay the treasures gained through the hardlabor of my Mountain Spirits! Hence! Get thee gone to thy place! Seeknot here for unearned riches! Cast away thy discontented disposition andthou shalt turn stones into gold. Dig well thy garden and thy fields, sow them and tend them diligently, search the mountain-sides; and thoushalt gain through thine industry mines of gold and silver!"

Scarcely had the Metal King spoken when there was heard a screechingas of ravens, a crying as of night owls, and a mighty storm wind camerushing against the lad; and catching him up it drove him forth alongthe dark passage, and down the mountain-side, so that in a minute hefound himself on the steps of his own house. 

And from that time on a strange change came over the lad. He no longeridled and dreamed of sudden wealth, but morning, noon, and eveninghe labored diligently, sowing his fields, cultivating his garden, and mining on the mountain-side. Years came and went; all he touchedprospered, and he grew to be the richest man in that country; but neveragain did he see the Metal King or the Spirits of the Mines. 

THE CHOICE OF HERCULES

BY XENOPHON (ADAPTED)

Long, long ago, when the world was young, there were many deeds waitingto be wrought by daring heroes. It was then that the mighty Hercules, who was yet a lad, felt an exceeding great and strong desire to go outinto the wide world to seek his fortune. 

One day, while wandering alone and thoughtful, he came to a place wheretwo paths met. And sitting down he gravely considered which he shouldfollow. 

One path led over flowery meadows toward the darkening distance; theother, passing over rough stones and rugged, brown furrows, lost itselfin the glowing sunset. 

And as Hercules gazed into the distance, he saw two stately maidenscoming toward him. 

The first was tall and graceful, and wrapped round in a snow-whitemantle. Her countenance was calm and beautiful. With gracious mien andmodest glance she drew near the lad. 

The other maiden made haste to outrun the first. She, too, was tall, but seemed taller than she really was. She, too, was beautiful, but herglance was bold. As she ran, a rosy garment like a cloud floated abouther form, and she kept looking at her own round arms and shapely hands, and ever and anon she seemed to gaze admiringly at her shadow as itmoved along the ground. And this fair one did outstrip the first maiden, and rushing forward held out her white hands to the lad, exclaiming:--

"I see thou art hesitating, O Hercules, by what path to seek thyfortune. Follow me along this flowery way, and I will make it adelightful and easy road. Thou shalt taste to the full of every kind ofpleasure. No shadow of annoyance shall ever touch thee, nor strain norstress of war and state disturb thy peace. Instead thou shalt tread uponcarpets soft as velvet, and sit at golden tables, or recline upon silkencouches. The fairest of maidens shall attend thee, music and perfumeshall lull thy senses, and all that is delightful to eat and drink shallbe placed before thee. Never shalt thou labor, but always live in joyand ease. Oh, come! I give my followers liberty and delight!"

And as she spoke the maiden stretched forth her arms, and the tones ofher voice were sweet and caressing. 

"What, O maiden, " asked Hercules, "is thy name?"

"My friends, " said she, "call me Happiness, but mine enemies name meVice. "

Even as she spoke, the white-robed maiden, who had drawn near, glidedforward, and addressed the lad in gracious tones and with words statelyand winning:--

"O beloved youth, who wouldst wander forth in search of Life, I too, would plead with thee! I, Virtue, have watched and tended thee from achild. I know the fond care thy parents have bestowed to train thee fora hero's part. Direct now thy steps along yon rugged path that leadsto my dwelling. Honorable and noble mayest thou become through thyillustrious deeds. 

"I will not seduce thee by promises of vain delights; instead willI recount to thee the things that really are. Lasting fame and truenobility come not to mortals save through pain and labor. If thou, O Hercules, seekest the gracious gifts of Heaven, thou must remainconstant in prayer; if thou wouldst be beloved of thy friends, thou mustserve thy friends; if thou desirest to be honored of the people thoumust benefit the people; if thou art anxious to reap the fruits of theearth, thou must till the earth with labor; and if thou wishest to bestrong in body and accomplish heroic deeds, thou must teach thy body toobey thy mind. Yea, all this and more also must thou do. "

"Seest thou not, O Hercules, " cried Vice, "over how difficult andtedious a road this Virtue would drive thee? I, instead, will conductthy steps by a short and easy path to perfect Happiness. "

"Wretched being!" answered Virtue, "wouldst thou deceive this lad! Whatlasting Happiness hast thou to offer! Thou pamperest thy followers withriches, thou deludest them with idleness; thou surfeitest them withluxury; thou enfeeblest them with softness. In youth they grow slothfulin body and weak in mind. They live without labor and wax fat. They cometo a wretched old age, dissatisfied, and ashamed, and oppressed bythe memory of their ill deeds; and, having run their course, they laythemselves down in melancholy death and their name is remembered nomore. 

"But those fortunate youths who follow me receive other counsel. Iam the companion of virtuous men. Always I am welcome in the homes ofartisans and in the cottages of tillers of the soil. I am the guardianof industrious households, and the rewarder of generous mastersand faithful servants. I am the promoter of the labors of peace. Nohonorable deed is accomplished without me. 

"My friends have sweet repose and the untroubled enjoyment of the fruitsof their efforts. They remember their deeds with an easy conscienceand contentment, and are beloved of their friends and honored by theircountry. And when they have run their course, and death overtakes them, their names are celebrated in song and praise, and they live in thehearts of their grateful countrymen. 

"Come, then, O Hercules, thou son of noble parents, come, follow thoume, and by thy worthy and illustrious deeds secure for thyself exaltedHappiness. "

She ceased, and Hercules, withdrawing his gaze from the face of Vice, arose from his place, and followed Virtue along the rugged, brown pathof Labor. 

THE SPEAKING STATUE

FROM GESTA ROMANORUM (ADAPTED)

There was once a great emperor who made a law that whosoever worked onthe birthday of his eldest son should be put to death. He caused thisdecree to be published throughout his empire, and, sending for his chiefmagician, said to him:--

"I wish you to devise an instrument which will tell me the name of eachlaborer who breaks my new law. "

"Sire, " answered the magician, "your will shall be accomplished. " And hestraightway constructed a wonderful, speaking statue, and placed it inthe public square of the capital city. By its magic power this statuecould discern all that went on in the empire on the birthday of theeldest prince, and it could tell the name of each laborer who worked insecret on that day. Thus things continued for some years, and many menwere put to death. 

Now, there was in the capital city a carpenter named Focus. He was adiligent workman, laboring at his trade from early morning till late atnight. One year, when the prince's birthday came round, he continued towork all that day. 

The next morning he arose, dressed himself, and, before any one wasastir in the streets, went to the magic statue and said:--

"O statue, statue! because you have denounced so many of our citizens, causing them to be put to death, I vow, if you accuse me, I will breakyour head!"

Shortly after this the emperor dispatched messengers to the statue toinquire if the law had been broken the day before. When the statue sawthem, it exclaimed:--

"Friends, look up! What see ye written on my forehead?"

They looked up and beheld three sentences that ran thus:--

 "Times are altered! "Men grow worse! "He who speaks the truth will have his head broken!"

"Go, " said the statue, "declare to His Majesty what ye have seen andread. "

The messenger accordingly departed and returned in haste to the emperor, and related to him all that had occurred. 

The emperor ordered his guard to arm and to march instantly to thepublic square, where the statue was, and commanded that if any one hadattempted to injure it, he should be seized, bound hand and foot, anddragged to the judgment hall. 

The guard hastened to do the emperor's bidding. They approached thestatue and said:--

"Our emperor commands you to tell who it is that threatened you. "

The statue answered: "Seize Focus the carpenter. Yesterday he defied theemperor's edict; this morning he threatened to break my head. "

The soldiers immediately arrested Focus, and dragged him to the judgmenthall. 

"Friend, " said the emperor, "what do I hear of you? Why do you work onmy son's birthday?"

"Your Majesty, " answered Focus, "it is impossible for me to keep yourlaw. I am obliged to earn eight pennies every day, therefore was Iforced to work yesterday. "

"And why eight pennies?" asked the emperor. 

"Every day through the year, " answered Focus, "I am bound to repaytwo pennies I borrowed in my youth; two I lend; two I lose; and two Ispend. "

"How is this?" said the emperor; "explain yourself further. "

"Your Majesty, " replied Focus, "listen to me. I am bound each day torepay two pennies to my old father, for when I was a boy he expendedupon me daily the like sum. Now he is poor and needs my assistance, andI return what I formerly borrowed. Two other pennies I lend my son, whois pursuing his studies, in order that, if by chance I should fall intopoverty, he may restore the loan to me, just as I am now doing to hisgrandfather. Again, I lose two pennies on my wife, who is a scoldand has an evil temper. On account of her bad disposition I considerwhatever I give her entirely lost. Lastly, two other pennies I spend onmyself for meat and drink. I cannot do all this without workingevery day. You now know the truth, and, I pray you, give a righteousjudgment. "

"Friend, " said the emperor, "you have answered well. Go and workdiligently at your calling. "

That same day the emperor annulled the law forbidding labor on hisson's birthday. Not long after this he died, and Focus the carpenter, on account of his singular wisdom, was elected emperor in his stead. Hegoverned wisely, and after his death there was deposited in the royalarchives a portrait of Focus wearing a crown adorned with eight pennies. 

THE CHAMPION STONE-CUTTER

BY HUGH MILLER

David Fraser was a famous Scotch hewer. On hearing that it had beenremarked among a party of Edinburgh masons that, though regarded as thefirst of Glasgow stone-cutters, he would find in the eastern capitalat least his equals, he attired himself most uncouthly in a long-tailedcoat of tartan, and, looking to the life the untamed, untaught, conceited little Celt, he presented himself on Monday morning, armedwith a letter of introduction from a Glasgow builder, before the foremanof an Edinburgh squad of masons engaged upon one of the finer buildingsat that time in the course of erection. 

The letter specified neither his qualifications nor his name. It hadbeen written merely to secure for him the necessary employment, and thenecessary employment it did secure. 

The better workmen of the party were engaged, on his arrival, in hewingcolumns, each of which was deemed sufficient work for a week; and Davidwas asked somewhat incredulously, by the foreman, if he could hew. 

"Oh, yes, HE THOUGHT he could hew. "

"Could he hew columns such as these?"

"Oh, yes, HE THOUGHT he could hew columns such as these. "

A mass of stone, in which a possible column lay hid, was accordinglyplaced before David, not under cover of the shed, which was alreadyoccupied by workmen, but, agreeably to David's own request, directlyin front of it, where he might be seen by all, and where he straightwaycommenced a most extraordinary course of antics. 

Buttoning his long tartan coat fast around him, he would first lookalong the stone from the one end, anon from the other, and then examineit in front and rear; or, quitting it altogether for the time, he wouldtake up his stand beside the other workmen, and, after looking at themwith great attention, return and give it a few taps with the mallet, ina style evidently imitative of theirs, but monstrously a caricature. 

The shed all that day resounded with roars of laughter; and the onlythoroughly grave man on the ground was he who occasioned the mirth ofall the others. 

Next morning David again buttoned his coat; but he got on much betterthis day than the former. He was less awkward and less idle, though notless observant than before; and he succeeded ere evening in tracing, in workmanlike fashion, a few draughts along the future column. He wasevidently greatly improving!

On the morning of Wednesday he threw off his coat; and it was seen that, though by no means in a hurry, he was seriously at work. There were nomore jokes or laughter; and it was whispered in the evening that thestrange Highlander had made astonishing progress during the day. 

By the middle of Thursday he had made up for his two days' trifling, andwas abreast of the other workmen. Before night he was far ahead of them;and ere the evening of Friday, when they had still a full day's workon each of their columns, David's was completed in a style that defiedcriticism; and, his tartan coat again buttoned around him, he satresting himself beside it. 

The foreman went out and greeted him. 

"Well, " he said, "you have beaten us all. You certainly CAN hew!"

"Yes, " said David, "I THOUGHT I could hew columns. Did the other mentake much more than a week to learn?"

"Come, come, DAVID FRASER, " replied the foreman, "we all guess who youare. You have had your week's joke out; and now, I suppose, we must giveyou your week's wages, and let you go away!"

"Yes, " said David, "work waits for me in Glasgow; but I just thought itmight be well to know how you hewed on this east side of the country. "

BILL BROWN'S TEST

BY CLEVELAND MOFFETT

All firemen have courage, but it cannot be known until the test how manyhave this particular kind, --Bill Brown's kind. 

What happened was this: Engine 29, pumping and pounding her prettiest, stood at the northwest corner of Greenwich and Warren streets, so closeto the blazing drug-house that Driver Marks thought it wasn't safe therefor the three horses, and led them away. That was fortunate, but it leftBrown alone, right against the cheek of the fire, watching his boiler, stoking in coal, keeping his steam-gauge at 75. As the fire gained, chunks of red-hot sandstone began to smash down on the engine. Brown ranhis pressure up to 80, and watched the door anxiously where the boys hadgone in. 

Then the explosion came, and a blue flame, wide as a house, curled itstongues halfway across the street, enwrapping engine and man, settingfire to the elevated railway station overhead, or such wreck of it asthe shock had left. 

Bill Brown stood by his engine, with a wall of fire before him and asheet of fire above him. He heard quick footsteps on the pavements, andvoices, that grew fainter and fainter, crying, "Run for your lives!"He heard the hose-wagon horses somewhere back in the smoke go plungingaway, mad with fright and their burns. He was alone with the fire, andthe skin was hanging in shreds on his hands, face, and neck. Only afireman knows how one blast of flame can shrivel up a man, and the painover the bared surfaces was, --well, there is no pain worse than that offire scorching in upon the quick flesh seared by fire. 

Here, I think, was a crisis to make a very brave man quail. Bill Brownknew perfectly well why every one was running; there was going to beanother explosion in a couple of minutes, maybe sooner, out of this hellin front of him. And the order had come for every man to save himself, and every man had done it except the lads inside. And the question was, Should he run or should he stay and die? It was tolerably certain thathe would die if he stayed. On the other hand, the boys of old 29 werein there. Devanny and McArthur, and Gillon and Merron, his friends, hischums. He'd seen them drag the hose in through that door, --there it wasnow, a long, throbbing snake of it, --and they hadn't come out. Perhapsthey were dead. Yes, but perhaps they weren't. If they were alive, theyneeded water now more than they ever needed anything before. And theycouldn't get water if he quit his engine. 

Bill Brown pondered this a long time, perhaps four seconds; then he fellto stoking in coal, and he screwed her up another notch, and he easedher running parts with the oiler. Explosion or not, pain or not, aloneor not, he was going to stay and make that engine hum. He had done thegreatest thing a man can do, --had offered his life for his friends. 

It is pleasant to know that this sacrifice was averted. A quarter of aminute or so before the second and terrible explosion, Devanny and hismen came staggering from the building. Then it was that Merron fell, andMcArthur checked his fight to save him. Then it was, but not untilthen, that Bill Brown left Engine 29 to her fate (she was crushed by thefalling walls), and ran for his life with his comrades. He had waitedfor them, he had stood the great test. 

COLUMBUS DAY

(OCTOBER 12)

COLUMBUS AND THE EGG

BY JAMES BALDWIN (ADAPTED) [8]

[Footnote 8: From Thirty More Famous Stories Retold. Copyright, 1903, byAmerican Book Company. ]

One day Columbus was at a dinner which a Spanish gentleman had givenin his honor, and several persons were present who were jealous of thegreat admiral's success. They were proud, conceited fellows, and theyvery soon began to try to make Columbus uncomfortable. 

"You have discovered strange lands beyond the seas, " they said, "butwhat of that? We do not see why there should be so much said aboutit. Anybody can sail across the ocean; and anybody can coast along theislands on the other side, just as you have done. It is the simplestthing in the world. "

Columbus made no answer; but after a while he took an egg from a dishand said to the company:--

"Who among you, gentlemen, can make this egg stand on end?"

One by one those at the table tried the experiment. When the egg hadgone entirely around and none had succeeded, all said that it could notbe done. 

Then Columbus took the egg and struck its small end gently upon thetable so as to break the shell a little. After that there was no troublein making it stand upright. 

"Gentlemen, " said he, "what is easier than to do this which you saidwas impossible? It is the simplest thing in the world. Anybody can doit, --AFTER HE HAS BEEN SHOWN HOW!"

COLUMBUS AT LA RABIDA

BY WASHINGTON IRVING (ADAPTED)

About half a league from the little seaport of Palos de Moguer, inAndalusia, there stood, and continues to stand at the present day, an ancient convent of Franciscan friars, dedicated to Santa Maria deRabida. 

One day a stranger on foot, in humble guise, but of a distinguished air, accompanied by a small boy, stopped at the gate of the convent and askedof the porter a little bread and water for his child. While receivingthis humble refreshment, the prior of the convent, Juan Perez deMarchena, happened to pass by, and was struck with the appearance of thestranger. Observing from his air and accent that he was a foreigner, heentered into conversation with him and soon learned the particulars ofhis story. 

That stranger was Columbus. 

Accompanied by his little son Diego, he was on his way to theneighboring town of Huelva, to seek a brother-in-law, who had married asister of his deceased wife. 

The prior was a man of extensive information. His attention had beenturned in some measure to geographical and nautical science. He wasgreatly interested by the conversation of Columbus, and struck with thegrandeur of his views. When he found, however, that the voyager wason the point of abandoning Spain to seek the patronage of the court ofFrance, the good friar took the alarm. 

He detained Columbus as his guest, and sent for a scientific friendto converse with him. That friend was Garcia Fernandez, a physician ofPalos. He was equally struck with the appearance and conversation ofthe stranger. Several conferences took place at the convent, at whichveteran mariners and pilots of Palos were present. 

Facts were related by some of these navigators in support of the theoryof Columbus. In a word, his project was treated with a deference in thequiet cloisters of La Rabida and among the seafaring men of Palos whichhad been sought in vain among sages and philosophers. 

Among the navigators of Palos was one Martin Alonzo Pinzon, the headof a family of wealth, members of which were celebrated for theiradventurous expeditions. He was so convinced of the feasibility ofColumbus's plan that he offered to engage in it with purse and person, and to bear the expenses of Columbus in an application to court. 

Fray Juan Perez, being now fully persuaded of the importance of theproposed enterprise, advised Columbus to repair to the court, and makehis propositions to the Spanish sovereigns, offering to give him aletter of recommendation to his friend, the Prior of the Conventof Prado and confessor to the queen, and a man of great politicalinfluence; through whose means he would, without doubt, immediatelyobtain royal audience and favor. Martin Alonzo Pinzon, also, generouslyfurnished him with money for the journey, and the Friar took charge ofhis youthful son, Diego, to maintain and educate him in the convent. 

Thus aided and encouraged and elated with fresh hopes, Columbus tookleave of the little junto at La Rabida, and set out, in the spring of1486, for the Castilian court, which had just assembled at Cordova, where the sovereigns were fully occupied with their chivalrousenterprise for the conquest of Granada. But alas! success was not yet!for Columbus met with continued disappointments and discouragements, while his projects were opposed by many eminent prelates and Spanishscientists, as being against religion and unscientific. Yet in spiteof this opposition, by degrees the theory of Columbus began to obtainproselytes. He appeared in the presence of the king with modesty, yet self-possession, inspired by a consciousness of the dignity andimportance of his errand; for he felt himself, as he afterwardsdeclared in his letters, animated as if by a sacred fire from above, andconsidered himself an instrument in the hand of Heaven to accomplishits great designs. For nearly seven years of apparently fruitlesssolicitation, Columbus followed the royal court from place to place, attimes encouraged by the sovereigns, and at others neglected. 

At last he looked round in search of some other source of patronage, andfeeling averse to subjecting himself to further tantalizing delaysand disappointments of the court, determined to repair to Paris. Hedeparted, therefore, and went to the Convent of La Rabida to seek hisson Diego. When the worthy Friar Juan Perez de Marchena beheld Columbusarrive once more at the gate of his convent after nearly seven yearsof fruitless effort at court, and saw by the humility of his garb thepoverty he had experienced, he was greatly moved; but when he found thathe was about to carry his proposition to another country, his patriotismtook alarm. 

The Friar had once been confessor to the queen, and knew that she wasalways accessible to persons of his sacred calling. He therefore wrote aletter to her, and at the same time entreated Columbus to remain atthe convent until an answer could be received. The latter was easilypersuaded, for he felt as if on leaving Spain he was again abandoninghis home. 

The little council at La Rabida now cast round their eyes for anambassador to send on this momentous mission. They chose one SebastianRodriguez, a pilot of Lepe, one of the most shrewd and importantpersonages in this maritime neighborhood. He so faithfully andsuccessfully conducted his embassy that he returned shortly with ananswer. 

Isabella had always been favorably disposed to the proposition ofColumbus. She thanked Juan Perez for his timely services and requestedhim to repair immediately to the court, leaving Columbus in confidenthope until he should hear further from her. This royal letter, broughtback by the pilot at the end of fourteen days, spread great joy in thelittle junto at the convent. 

No sooner did the warm-hearted friar receive it than he saddledhis mule, and departed, privately, before midnight to the court. Hejourneyed through the countries of the Moors, and rode into the new cityof Santa Fe where Ferdinand and Isabella were engaged in besieging thecapital of Granada. 

The sacred office of Juan Perez gained him a ready admission into thepresence of the queen. He pleaded the cause of Columbus with enthusiasm. He told of his honorable motives, of his knowledge and experience, andhis perfect capacity to fulfill the undertaking. He showed the solidprinciples upon which the enterprise was founded, and the advantage thatmust attend its success, and the glory it must shed upon the SpanishCrown. 

Isabella, being warm and generous of nature and sanguine of disposition, was moved by the representations of Juan Perez, and requested thatColumbus might be again sent to her. Bethinking herself of his povertyand his humble plight, she ordered that money should be forwarded tohim, sufficient to bear his traveling expenses, and to furnish him withdecent raiment. 

The worthy friar lost no time in communicating the result of hismission. He transmitted the money, and a letter, by the hand of aninhabitant of Palos, to the physician, Garcia Fernandez, who deliveredthem to Columbus The latter immediately changed his threadbare garb forone more suited to the sphere of a court, and purchasing a mule, set outagain, reanimated by hopes, for the camp before Granada. 

This time, after some delay, his mission was attended with success. The generous spirit of Isabella was enkindled, and it seemed as ifthe subject, for the first time, broke upon her mind in all its realgrandeur. She declared her resolution to undertake the enterprise, butpaused for a moment, remembering that King Ferdinand looked coldly onthe affair, and that the royal treasury was absolutely drained by thewar. 

Her suspense was but momentary. With an enthusiasm worthy of herselfand of the cause, she exclaimed: "I undertake the enterprise for myown crown of Castile, and will pledge my jewels to raise the necessaryfunds. " This was the proudest moment in the life of Isabella. It stampedher renown forever as the patroness of the discovery of the New World. 

THE MUTINY

BY A. DE LAMARTINE (ADAPTED)

When Columbus left the Canaries to pass with his three small ships intothe unknown seas, the eruptions of Teneriffe illuminated the heavensand were reflected in the sea. This cast terror into the minds of hisseamen. They thought that it was the flaming sword of the angel whoexpelled the first man from Eden, and who now was trying to driveback in anger those presumptuous ones who were seeking entrance to theforbidden and unknown seas and lands. But the admiral passed from shipto ship explaining to his men, in a simple way, the action of volcanoes, so that the sailors were no longer afraid. 

But as the peak of Teneriffe sank below the horizon, a great sadnessfell upon the men. It was their last beacon, the farthest sea-mark ofthe Old World. They were seized with a nameless terror and loneliness. 

Then the admiral called them around him in his own ship, and told themmany stories of the things they might hope to find in the wonderful newworld to which they were going, --of the lands, the islands, the seas, the kingdoms, the riches, the vegetation, the sunshine, the mines ofgold, the sands covered with pearls, the mountains shining with preciousstones, the plains loaded with spices. These stories, tinged withthe brilliant colors of their leader's rich imagination, filled thediscouraged sailors with hope and good spirits. 

But as they passed over the trackless ocean, and saw day by day thegreat billows rolling between them and the mysterious horizon, thesailors were again filled with dread. They lacked the courage to sailonward into the unknown distance. The compass began to vacillate, andno longer pointed toward the north; this confused both Columbus and hispilots. The men fell into a panic, but the resolute and patient admiralencouraged them once more. So buoyed up by his faith and hope, theycontinued to sail onwards over the pathless waters. 

The next day a heron and a tropical bird flew about the masts of theships, and these seemed to the wondering sailors as two witnesses cometo confirm the reasoning of Columbus. 

The weather was mild and serene, the sky clear, the waves transparent, the dolphins played across the bows, the airs were warm, and theperfumes, which the waves brought from afar, seemed to exhale fromtheir foam. The brilliancy of the stars and the deep beauty of the nightbreathed a feeling of calm security that comforted and sustained thesailors. 

The sea also began to bring its messages. Unknown vegetations floatedupon its surface. Some were rock-plants, that had been swept off thecliffs by the waves; some were fresh-water plants; and others, recentlytorn from their roots, were still full of sap. One of them carried alive crab, --a little sailor afloat on a tuft of grass. These plantsand living things could not have passed many days in the water withoutfading and dying. And all encouraged the sailors to believe that theywere nearing land. 

At eve and morning the distant waning clouds, like those that gatherround the mountain-tops, took the form of cliffs and hills skirting thehorizon. The cry of "land" was on the tip of every tongue. But Columbusby his reckoning knew that they must still be far from any land, butfearing to discourage his men he kept his thoughts to himself, for hefound no trustworthy friend among his companions whose heart was firmenough to bear his secret. 

During the long passage Columbus conversed with his own thoughts, andwith the stars, and with God whom he felt was his protector. He occupiedhis days in making notes of what he observed. The nights he passedon deck with his pilots, studying the stars and watching the seas. He withdrew into himself, and his thoughtful gravity impressed hiscompanions sometimes with respect and sometimes with mistrust and awe. 

Each morning the bows of the vessels plunged through the fantastichorizon which the evening mist had made the sailors mistake for ashore. They kept rolling on through the boundless and bottomless abyss. Gradually terror and discontent once more took possession of the crews. They began to imagine that the steadfast east wind that drove themwestward prevailed eternally in this region, and that when the time cameto sail homeward, the same wind would prevent their return. For surelytheir provisions and water could not hold out long enough for them tobeat their way eastward over those wide waters!

Then the sailors began to murmur against the admiral and his seemingfruitless obstinacy, and they blamed themselves for obeying him, when itmight mean the sacrifice of the lives of one hundred and twenty sailors. 

But each time the murmurs threatened to break out into mutiny, Providence seemed to send more encouraging signs of land. And these forthe time being changed the complaints to hopes. At evening little birdsof the most delicate species, that build their nests in the shrubs ofthe garden and orchard, hovered warbling about the masts. Their delicatewings and joyous notes bore no signs of weariness or fright, as of birdsswept far away to sea by a storm. These signs again aroused hope. 

The green weeds on the surface of the ocean looked like waving cornbefore the ears are ripe. The vegetation beneath the water delightedthe eyes of the sailors tired of the endless expanse of blue. But theseaweed soon became so thick that they were afraid of entangling theirrudders and keels, and of remaining prisoners forever in the forests ofthe ocean, as ships of the northern seas are shut in by ice. Thus eachjoy soon turned to fear, --so terrible to man is the unknown. 

The wind ceased, the calms of the tropics alarmed the sailors. Animmense whale was seen sleeping on the waters. They fancied there weremonsters in the deep which would devour their ships. The roll of thewaves drove them upon currents which they could not stem for want ofwind. They imagined they were approaching the cataracts of the ocean, and that they were being hurried toward the abysses into which thedeluge had poured its world of waters. 

Fierce and angry faces crowded round the mast. The murmurs rose louderand louder. They talked of compelling the pilots to put about and ofthrowing the admiral into the sea. Columbus, to whom their looksand threats revealed these plans, defied them by his bold bearing ordisconcerted them by his coolness. 

Again nature came to his assistance, by giving him fresh breezes fromthe east, and a calm sea under his bows. Before the close of the daycame the first cry of "Land ho!" from the lofty poop. All the crews, repeating this cry of safety, life, and triumph, fell on their knees onthe decks, and struck up the hymn, "Glory be to God in heaven and uponearth. " When it was over, all climbed as high as they could up themasts, yards, and rigging to see with their own eyes the new land thathad been sighted. 

But the sunrise destroyed this new hope all too quickly. The imaginaryland disappeared with the morning mist, and once more the ships seemedto be sailing over a never-ending wilderness of waters. 

Despair took possession of the crews. Again the cry of "Land ho!" washeard. But the sailors found as before that their hopes were but apassing cloud. Nothing wearies the heart so much as false hopes andbitter disappointments. 

Loud reproaches against the admiral were heard from every quarter. Bread and water were beginning to fail. Despair changed to fury. The mendecided to turn the heads of the vessels toward Europe, and to beat backagainst the winds that had favored the admiral, whom they intended tochain to the mast of his own vessel and to give up to the vengeance ofSpain should they ever reach the port of their own country. 

These complaints now became clamorous. The admiral restrained them bythe calmness of his countenance. He called upon Heaven to decide betweenhimself and the sailors. He flinched not. He offered his life as apledge, if they would but trust and wait for three days more. He sworethat, if, in the course of the third day, land was not visible on thehorizon, he would yield to their wishes and steer for Europe. 

The mutinous men reluctantly consented and allowed him three days ofgrace. . . . . . . . . . . 

At sunrise on the second day rushes recently torn up were seen floatingnear the vessels. A plank hewn by an axe, a carved stick, a bough ofhawthorn in blossom, and lastly a bird's nest built on a branch whichthe wind had broken, and full of eggs on which the parent-bird wassitting, were seen swimming past on the waters. The sailors brought onboard these living witnesses of their approach to land. They were like amessage from the shore, confirming the promises of Columbus. 

The overjoyed and repentant mutineers fell on their knees before theadmiral whom they had insulted but the day before, and craved pardon fortheir mistrust. 

As the day and night advanced many other sights and sounds showed thatland was very near. Toward day delicious and unknown perfumes borne ona soft land breeze reached the vessels, and there was heard the roar ofthe waves upon the reefs. 

The dawn, as it spread over the sky, gradually raised the shores of anisland from the waves. Its distant extremities were lost in the morningmist. As the sun rose it shone on the land ascending from a low yellowbeach to the summit of hills whose dark-green covering contrastedstrongly with the clear blue of the heavens. The foam of the waves brokeon the yellow sand, and forests of tall and unknown trees stretchedaway, one above another, over successive terraces of the island. Greenvalleys, and bright clefts in the hollows afforded a half glimpse intothese mysterious wilds. And thus the land of golden promises, the landof future greatness, first appeared to Christopher Columbus, the Admiralof the Ocean, and thus he gave a New World to the nations to come. 

THE FIRST LANDING OF COLUMBUS IN THE NEW WORLD

BY WASHINGTON IRVING (ADAPTED)

It was on Friday morning, the 12th of October, that Columbus firstbeheld the New World. As the day dawned he saw before him an island, several leagues in extent, and covered with trees like a continualorchard. Though apparently uncultivated it was populous, for theinhabitants were seen issuing from all parts of the woods and running tothe shore. They were perfectly naked, and, as they stood gazing atthe ships, appeared by their attitudes and gestures to be lost inastonishment. 

Columbus made signals for the ships to cast anchor and the boats to bemanned and armed. He entered his own boat, richly attired in scarlet, and holding the royal standard; while Martin Alonzo Pinzon and hisbrother put off in company in their boats, each with a banner of theenterprise emblazoned with a green cross, having on either side theletters "F. " and "Y. , " the initials of the Castilian monarchs Fernandoand Ysabel, surmounted by crowns. 

As he approached the shore, Columbus was delighted with the purity andsuavity of the atmosphere, the crystal transparency of the sea, andthe extraordinary beauty of the vegetation. He beheld also fruits of anunknown kind upon the trees which overhung the shores. 

On landing he threw himself on his knees, kissed the earth, and returnedthanks to God with tears of joy. His example was followed by therest. [9] "Almighty and Eternal God, " prayed Columbus, "who by the energyof Thy creative word hast made the firmament, the earth and the sea;blessed and glorified be thy name in all places! May thy majesty anddominion be exalted for ever and ever, as Thou hast permitted thy holyname to be made known and spread by the most humble of thy servants, inthis hitherto unknown portion of Thine empire. "

[Footnote: 9: This prayer is taken from Lamartine. ]

Columbus, then rising, drew his sword, displayed the royal standard, andassembling around him the two captains and the rest who had landed, hetook solemn possession in the name of the Castilian sovereigns, givingthe island the name of San Salvador. 

HALLOWEEN

(OCTOBER 31)

THE OLD WITCH

BY THE BROTHERS GRIMM (TRANSLATED)

There was once a little girl who was very willful and who never obeyedwhen her elders spoke to her; so how could she be happy?

One day she said to her parents: "I have heard so much of the old witchthat I will go and see her. People say she is a wonderful old woman, and has many marvelous things in her house, and I am very curious to seethem. "

But her parents forbade her going, saying: "The witch is a wicked oldwoman, who performs many godless deeds; and if you go near her, you areno longer a child of ours. "

The girl, however, would not turn back at her parents' command, but wentto the witch's house. When she arrived there the old woman asked her:--

"Why are you so pale?"

"Ah, " she replied, trembling all over, "I have frightened myself so withwhat I have just seen. "

"And what did you see?" inquired the old witch. 

"I saw a black man on your steps. "

"That was a collier, " replied she. 

"Then I saw a gray man. "

"That was a sportsman, " said the old woman. 

"After him I saw a blood-red man. "

"That was a butcher, " replied the old woman. 

"But, oh, I was most terrified, " continued the girl, "when I peepedthrough your window, and saw not you, but a creature with a fiery head. "

"Then you have seen the witch in her proper dress, " said the old woman. "For you I have long waited, and now you shall give me light. "

So saying the witch changed the little girl into a block of wood, andthen threw it on the fire; and when it was fully alight, she sat down onthe hearth and warmed herself, saying:--

"How good I feel! The fire has not burned like this for a long time!"

SHIPPEITARO

A JAPANESE FOLK-TALE:

BY MARY F. NIXON-ROULET (ADAPTED) [10]

[Footnote 10: From Japanese Folk-Stories and Fairy Tales. Copyright, 1908, by American Book Company. ]

Once upon a time there was a brave soldier lad who was seeking hisfortune in the wide, wide world. One day he lost his way in a pathlessforest, and wandered about until he came at length to a small clearingin the midst of which stood a ruined temple. The huge trees waved aboveits walls, and the leaves in the thicket whispered around them. No sunever shone there, and no human being lived there. 

A storm was coming up, and the soldier lad took refuge among the ruins. 

"Here is all I want, " said he. "Here I shall have shelter from thestorm-god's wrath, and a comfortable place to sleep in. "

So he wrapped himself in his cloak, and, lying down, was soon fastasleep. But his slumbers did not last long. At midnight he was wakenedby fearful shrieks, and springing to his feet, he looked out at thetemple door. 

The storm was over. Moonlight shone on the clearing. And there he sawwhat seemed to be a troop of monstrous cats, who like huge phantomsmarched across the open space in front of the temple. They broke intoa wild dance, uttering shrieks, howls, and wicked laughs. Then they allsang together:--

 "Whisper not to Shippeitaro That the Phantom Cats are near; Whisper not to Shippeitaro, Lest he soon appear!"

The soldier lad crouched low behind the door, for brave as he was he didnot wish these fearful creatures to see him. But soon, with a chorus ofwild yells, the Phantom Cats disappeared as quickly as they had come, and all was quiet as before. 

Then the soldier lad lay down and went to sleep again, nor did he wakentill the sun peered into the temple and told him that it was morning. Hequickly found his way out of the forest and walked on until he came tothe cottage of a peasant. 

As he approached he heard sounds of bitter weeping. A beautiful youngmaiden met him at the door, and her eyes were red with crying. Shegreeted him kindly. 

"May I have some food?" said he. 

"Enter and welcome, " she replied. "My parents are just having breakfast. You may join them, for no one passes our door hungry. "

Thanking her the lad entered, and her parents greeted him courteouslybut sadly, and shared their breakfast with him. He ate heartily, and, when he was finished, rose to go. 

"Thank you many times for this good meal, kind friends, " said he, "andmay happiness be yours. "

"Happiness can never again be ours!" answered the old man, weeping. 

"You are in trouble, then, " said the lad. "Tell me about it; perhaps Ican help you in some way. "

"Alas!" replied the old man, "There is within yonder forest a ruinedtemple. It is the abode of horrors too terrible for words. Each year ademon, whom no one has ever seen, demands that the people of this landgive him a beautiful maiden to devour. She is placed in a cage andcarried to the temple just at sunset. This year it is my daughter'sturn to be offered to the fiend!" And the old man buried his face in hishands and groaned. 

The soldier lad paused to think for a moment, then he said:--

"It is terrible, indeed! But do not despair. I think I know a way tohelp you. Who is Shippeitaro?"

"Shippeitaro is a beautiful dog, owned by our lord, the prince, "answered the old man. 

"That is just the thing!" cried the lad. "Only keep your daughterclosely at home. Do not let her out of your sight. Trust me and sheshall be saved. "

Then the soldier lad hurried away, and found the castle of the prince. He begged that he might borrow Shippeitaro just for one night. 

"You may take him upon the condition that you bring him back safely, "said the prince. 

"To-morrow he shall return in safety, " answered the lad. 

Taking Shippeitaro with him, he hurried to the peasant's cottage, and, when evening was come, he placed the dog in the cage which was to havecarried the maiden. The bearers then took the cage to the ruined temple, and, placing it on the ground, ran away as fast as their legs wouldcarry them. 

The lad, laughing softly to himself, hid inside the temple as before, and so quiet was the spot that he fell asleep. At midnight he wasaroused by the same wild shrieks he had heard the night before. He roseand looked out at the temple door. 

Through the darkness, into the moonlight, came the troop of PhantomCats. This time they were led by a fierce, black Tomcat. As they camenearer they chanted with unearthly screeches:--

 "Whisper not to Shippeitaro That the Phantom Cats are near; Whisper not to Shippeitaro, Lest he soon appear!"

With that the great Tomcat caught sight of the cage and, uttering afearful yowl, sprang upon it, With one blow of his claws he tore openthe lid, when, instead of the dainty morsel he expected, out jumpedShippeitaro!

The dog sprang upon the Tomcat, and caught him by the throat; while thePhantom Cats stood still in amazement. Drawing his sword the lad hurriedto Shippeitaro's side, and what with Shippeitaro's teeth and the lad'shard blows, in an instant the great Tomcat was torn and cut into pieces. When the Phantom Cats saw this, they uttered one wild shriek and fledaway, never to return again. 

Then the soldier lad, leading Shippeitaro, returned in triumph to thepeasant's cottage. There in terror the maiden awaited his arrival, butgreat was the joy of herself and her parents when they knew that theTomcat was no more. 

"Oh, sir, " cried the maiden, "I can never thank you! I am the only childof my parents, and no one would have been left to care for them if I hadbeen the monster's victim. "

"Do not thank me, " answered the lad. "Thank the brave Shippeitaro. Itwas he who sprang upon the great Tomcat and chased away the PhantomCreatures. "

HANSEL AND GRETHEL

BY THE BROTHERS GRIMM (ADAPTED)

Hard-by a great forest dwelt a poor wood-cutter with his two childrenand his wife who was their stepmother. The boy was called Hansel and thegirl Grethel. The wood-cutter had little to bite and to break, and oncewhen a great famine fell on the land he could no longer get daily bread. Now when he thought over this by night in his bed, and tossed about inhis trouble, he groaned, and said to his wife:--

"What is to become of us? How are we to feed our poor children, when weno longer have anything even for ourselves?"

"I'll tell you what, husband, " answered the woman; "early to-morrowmorning we will take the children out into the woods where it is thethickest; there we will light a fire for them, and give each of themone piece of bread more, and then we will go to our work and leave themalone. They will not find the way home again, and we shall be rid ofthem. "

"No, wife, " said the man, "I will not do that; how can I bear to leavemy children alone in the woods?--the wild beasts would soon come andtear them to pieces. "

"Oh, you fool!" said she. "Then we must all four die of hunger; you mayas well plane the planks for our coffins. " And she left him no peaceuntil he said he would do as she wished. 

"But I feel very sorry for the poor children, all the same, " said theman. 

The two children had also not been able to sleep for hunger, and hadheard what their father's wife had said to their father. 

Grethel wept bitter tears, and said to Hansel, "Now all is over withus. "

"Be quiet, Grethel, " said Hansel, "do not be troubled; I will soon finda way to help us. "

And when the old folks had fallen asleep, he got up, put on his littlecoat, opened the door below, and crept outside. The moon shone brightly, and the white pebbles which lay in front of the house shone like realsilver pennies. Hansel stooped and put as many of them in the littlepocket of his coat as he could make room for. Then he went back, andsaid to Grethel, "Be at ease, dear little sister, and sleep in peace;God will not forsake us. " And he lay down again in his bed. 

When the day dawned, but before the sun had risen, the woman came andawoke the two children, saying:--

"Get up, you lazy things! we are going into the forest to fetch wood. "She gave each a little piece of bread, and said, "There is something foryour dinner, but do not eat it up before then, for you will get nothingelse. "

Grethel took the bread under her apron, as Hansel had the stones in hispocket. Then they all set out together on the way to the forest, andHansel threw one after another of the white pebble-stones out of hispocket on the road. 

When they had reached the middle of the forest, the father said, "Now, children, pile up some wood and I will light a fire that you may not becold. "

Hansel and Grethel drew brushwood together till it was as high as alittle hill. 

The brushwood was lighted, and when the flames were burning very highthe woman said:--

"Now, children, lie down by the fire and rest; we will go into theforest and cut some wood. When we have done, we will come back and fetchyou away. "

Hansel and Grethel sat by the fire, and when noon came, each ate alittle piece of bread, and as they heard the strokes of the wood-axethey were sure their father was near. But it was not the axe, it wasa branch which he had tied to a dry tree, and the wind was blowing itbackward and forward. As they had been sitting such a long time theywere tired, their eyes shut, and they fell fast asleep. When at lastthey awoke, it was dark night. 

Grethel began to cry, and said, "How are we to get out of the forestnow?"

But Hansel comforted her, saying, "Just wait a little, until the moonhas risen, and then we will soon find the way. "

And when the full moon had risen, Hansel took his little sister by thehand, and followed the pebbles, which shone like bright silver pieces, and showed them the way. 

They walked the whole night long, and by break of day came once more totheir father's house. 

They knocked at the door, and when the woman opened it, and saw that itwas Hansel and Grethel, she said, "You naughty children, why have youslept so long in the forest? we thought you were never coming back atall!"

The father, however, was glad, for it had cut him to the heart to leavethem behind alone. 

Not long after, there was once more a great lack of food in all parts, and the children heard the woman saying at night to their father:--

"Everything is eaten again; we have one half-loaf left, and after thatthere is an end. The children must go; we will take them farther intothe wood, so that they will not find their way out again; there is noother means of saving ourselves!"

The man's heart was heavy, and he thought, "It would be better to shareour last mouthful with the children. "

The woman, however, would listen to nothing he had to say, but scoldedhim. He who says A must say B, too, and as he had given way the firsttime, he had to do so a second time also. 

The children were still awake and had heard the talk. When the old folkswere asleep, Hansel again got up, and wanted to go and pick up pebbles, but the woman had locked the door, and he could not get out. 

So he comforted his little sister, and said:--

"Do not cry, Grethel; go to sleep quietly, the good God will help us. "

Early in the morning came the woman, and took the children out of theirbeds. Their bit of bread was given to them, but it was still smallerthan the time before. On the way into the forest Hansel crumbled hisin his pocket, and often threw a morsel on the ground until little bylittle, he had thrown all the crumbs on the path. 

The woman led the children still deeper into the forest, where they hadnever in their lives been before. Then a great fire was again made, andshe said:--

"Just sit there, you children, and when you are tired you may sleep alittle; we are going into the forest to cut wood, and in the eveningwhen we are done, we will come and fetch you away. "

When it was noon, Grethel shared her piece of bread with Hansel, who hadscattered his by the way. Then they fell asleep, and evening came andwent, but no one came to the poor children. 

They did not awake until it was dark night, and Hansel comforted hislittle sister, and said:--

"Just wait, Grethel, until the moon rises, and then we shall see thecrumbs of bread which I have scattered about; they will show us our wayhome again. "

When the moon came they set out, but they found no crumbs, for the manythousands of birds which fly about in the woods and fields had pickedthem all up. 

Hansel said to Grethel, "We shall soon find the way. "

But they did not find it. They walked the whole night and all the nextday, too, from morning till evening, but they did not get out of theforest; they were very hungry, for they had nothing to eat but two orthree berries which grew on the ground. And as they were so tired thattheir legs would carry them no longer, they lay down under a tree andfell asleep. 

It was now three mornings since they had left their father's house. Theybegan to walk again, but they always got deeper into the forest, and ifhelp did not come soon, they must die of hunger and weariness. When itwas midday, they saw a beautiful snow-white bird sitting on a bough. Itsang so sweetly that they stood still and listened to it. And whenit had done, it spread its wings and flew away before them, and theyfollowed it until they reached a little house, on the roof of which itperched; and when they came quite up to the little house, they saw itwas built of bread and covered with cakes, but that the windows were ofclear sugar. 

"We will set to work on that, " said Hansel, "and have a good meal. I will eat a bit of the roof, and you, Grethel, can eat some of thewindow, it will taste sweet. "

Hansel reached up, and broke off a little of the roof to try how ittasted, and Grethel leaned against the window and nibbled at the panes. 

Then a soft voice cried from the room, --

 "Nibble, nibble, gnaw, Who is nibbling at my little house?"

The children answered:--

 "The wind, the wind, The wind from heaven";

and went on eating. Hansel, who thought the roof tasted very nice, toredown a great piece of it; and Grethel pushed out the whole of one roundwindow-pane, sat down, and went to eating it. 

All at once the door opened, and a very, very old woman, who leaned oncrutches, came creeping out. Hansel and Grethel were so scared that theylet fall what they had in their hands. 

The old woman, however, nodded her head, and said, "Oh, you dearchildren, who has brought you here? Do come in, and stay with me. Noharm shall happen to you. "

She took them both by the hand, and led them into her little house. Thengood food was set before them, milk and pancakes, with sugar, apples, and nuts. Afterwards two pretty little beds were covered with cleanwhite linen, and Hansel and Grethel lay down in them, and thought theywere in heaven. 

The old woman had only pretended to be so kind; she was in reality awicked witch, who lay in wait for children, and had built the littlebread house in order to coax them there. 

Early in the morning, before the children were awake, she was alreadyup, and when she saw both of them sleeping and looking so pretty, withtheir plump red cheeks, she muttered to herself, "That will be a daintymouthful!"

Then she seized Hansel, carried him into a little stable, and shut himin behind a grated door. He might scream as he liked, --it was of no use. Then she went to Grethel, shook her till she awoke and cried: "Get up, lazy thing; fetch some water, and cook something good for your brother;he is in the stable outside, and is to be made fat. When he is fat, Iwill eat him. "

Grethel began to weep, but it was all in vain; she was forced to do whatthe wicked witch told her. 

And now the best food was cooked for poor Hansel, but Grethel gotnothing but crab-shells. 

Every morning the woman crept to the little stable, and cried, "Hansel, stretch out your finger that I may feel if you will soon be fat. "

Hansel, however, stretched out a little bone to her, and the old woman, who had dim eyes, could not see it; she thought it was Hansel's finger, and wondered why he grew no fatter. When four weeks had gone by, andHansel still was thin, she could wait no longer. 

"Come, Grethel, " she cried to the girl, "fly round and bring some water. Let Hansel be fat or lean, to-morrow I will kill him, and cook him. "

Ah, how sad was the poor little sister when she had to fetch the water, and how her tears did flow down over her cheeks!

"Dear God, do help us, " she cried. "If the wild beasts in the forest hadbut eaten us, we should at any rate have died together. "

"Just keep your noise to yourself, " said the old woman; "all that won'thelp you at all. "

Early in the morning, Grethel had to go out and hang up the kettle withthe water, and light the fire. 

"We will bake first, " said the old woman. "I have already heated theoven, and got the dough ready. "

She pushed poor Grethel out to the oven, from which the flames of firewere already darting. 

"Creep in, " said the witch, "and see if it is heated, so that we canshut the bread in. " And when once Grethel was inside, she meant to shutthe oven and let her bake in it, and then she would eat her, too. 

But Grethel saw what she had in her mind, and said, "I do not know how Iam to do it; how do you get in?"

"Silly goose, " said the old woman. "The door is big enough; just look, Ican get in myself!" and she crept up and thrust her head into the oven. Then Grethel gave her a push that drove her far into it, and shut theiron door, tight. 

Grethel ran as quick as lightning to Hansel, opened his little stable, and cried, "Hansel, we are saved! The old witch is dead!"

Then Hansel sprang out like a bird from its cage when the door is openedfor it. How they did dance about and kiss each other. And as they hadno longer any need to fear her, they went into the witch's house, and inevery corner there stood chests full of pearls and jewels. 

"These are far better than pebbles!" said Hansel, and filled hispockets, and Grethel said, "I, too, will take something home with me, "and filled her pinafore. 

"But now we will go away, " said Hansel, "that we may get out of thewitch's forest. " When they had walked for two hours, they came to agreat piece of water. "We cannot get over, " said Hansel; "I see nofoot-plank and no bridge. "

"And no boat crosses, either, " answered Grethel, "but a white duck isswimming there; if I ask her, she will help us over. " Then she cried, --

 "Little duck, little duck, dost thou see, Hansel and Grethel are waiting for thee? There's never a plank or bridge in sight, Take us across on thy back so white. "

The duck came to them, and Hansel sat on its back, and told his sisterto sit by him. 

"No, " replied Grethel, "that will be too heavy for the little duck; sheshall take us across, one after the other. "

The good little duck did so, and when they were once safely across andhad walked for a short time, they knew where they were, and at last theysaw from afar their father's house. 

Then they began to run, rushed in, and threw themselves into theirfather's arms. The man had not known one happy hour since he had leftthe children in the forest; the woman, however, was dead. Grethelemptied her pinafore until pearls and precious stones rolled about thefloor, and Hansel threw one handful after another out of his pocketto add to them. Then all care was at an end, and they lived happilytogether ever after. 

My tale is done; there runs a mouse; whosoever catches it may makehimself a big fur cap out of it. 

BURG HILL'S ON FIRE

A CELTIC FAIRY TALE

BY ELIZABETH W. GRIERSON (ADAPTED)

Once upon a time there was a rich farmer who had a thrifty wife. Sheused to go out and gather all the little bits of wool which she couldfind on the hillsides, and bring them home. Then, after her family hadgone to bed, she would sit up and card the wool and spin it into yarn, then she would weave the yarn into cloth to make garments for herchildren. 

But all this work made her feel very tired, so that one night, sittingat her loom, she laid down her shuttle and cried:--

"Oh, that some one would come from far or near, from land or sea, tohelp me!"

No sooner had the words left her lips than she heard some one knockingat the door. 

"Who is there?" cried she. 

"Tell Quary, good housewife, " answered a wee, wee voice. "Open the doorto me. As long as I have you'll get. "

She opened the door and there on the threshold stood a queer, littlewoman, dressed in a green gown and wearing a white cap on her head. 

The good housewife was so astonished that she stood and stared at herstrange visitor; but without a word the little woman ran past her, andseated herself at the spinning-wheel. 

The good housewife shut the door, but just then she heard another knock. 

"Who is there?" said she. 

"Tell Quary, good housewife. Open the door to me, " said another wee, weevoice. "As long as I have you'll get. "

And when she opened the door there was another queer, little woman, in alilac frock and a green cap, standing on the threshold. 

She, too, ran into the house without waiting to say, "By your leave, "and picking up the distaff, began to put some wool on it. 

Then before the housewife could get the door shut, a funny littlemanikin, with green trousers and a red cap, came running in, andfollowed the tiny women into the kitchen, seized hold of a handful ofwool, and began to card it. Another wee, wee woman followed him, andthen another tiny manikin, and another, and another, until it seemedto the good housewife that all the fairies and pixies in Scotland werecoming into her house. 

The kitchen was alive with them. Some of them hung the great pot overthe fire to boil water to wash the wool that was dirty. Some teased theclean wool, and some carded it. Some spun it into yarn, and some wovethe yarn into great webs of cloth. 

And the noise they made was like to make her head run round. "Splash!splash! Whirr! whirr! Clack! clack!" The water in the pot bubbled over. The spinning-wheel whirred. The shuttle in the loom flew backwards andforwards. 

And the worst of it was that all the Fairies cried out for somethingto eat, and although the good housewife put on her griddle and bakedbannocks as fast as she could, the bannocks were eaten up the momentthey were taken off the fire, and yet the Fairies shouted for more. 

At last the poor woman was so troubled that she went into the next roomto wake her husband. But although she shook him with all her might, shecould not wake him. It was very plain to see that he was bewitched. 

Frightened almost out of her senses, and leaving the Fairies eating herlast batch of bannocks, she stole out of the house and ran as fast asshe could to the cottage of the Wise Man who lived a mile away. 

She knocked at his door till he got up and put his head out of thewindow, to see who was there; then she told him the whole story. 

"Thou foolish woman, " said he, "let this be a lesson to thee never topray for things thou dost not need! Before thy husband can be loosedfrom the spell the Fairies must be got out of the house and thefulling-water, which they have boiled, must be thrown over him. Hurryto the little hill that lies behind thy cottage, climb to the top ofit, and set the bushes on fire; then thou must shout three times: 'BURGHILL'S ON FIRE!' Then will all the little Fairies run out to see ifthis be true, for they live under the hill. When they are all out of thecottage, do thou slip in as quickly as thou canst, and turn the kitchenupside down. Upset everything the Fairies have worked with, else thethings their fingers have touched will open the door to them, and letthem in, in spite of thee. "

So the good housewife hurried away. She climbed to the top of the littlehill back of her cottage, set the bushes on fire, and cried out threetimes as loud as she was able: "BURG HILL'S ON FIRE!"

And sure enough, the door of the cottage was flung wide open, and allthe little Fairies came running out, knocking each other over in theireagerness to be first at the hill. 

In the confusion the good housewife slipped away, and ran as fast as shecould to her cottage; and when she was once inside, it did not take herlong to bar the door, and turn everything upside down. 

She took the band off the spinning-wheel, and twisted the head of thedistaff the wrong way. She lifted the pot of fulling-water off the fire, and turned the room topsy-turvy, and threw down the carding-combs. 

Scarcely had she done so, when the Fairies returned, and knocked at thedoor. 

"Good housewife! let us in, " they cried. 

"The door is shut and bolted, and I will not open it, " answered she. 

"Good spinning-wheel, get up and open the door, " they cried. 

"How can I, " answered the spinning-wheel, "seeing that my band isundone?"

"Kind distaff, open the door for us, " said they. 

"That would I gladly do, " said the distaff, "but I cannot walk, for myhead is turned the wrong way. "

"Weaving-loom, have pity, and open the door. "

"I am all topsy-turvy, and cannot move, " sighed the loom. 

"Fulling-water, open the door, " they implored. 

"I am off the fire, " growled the fulling-water, "and all my strength isgone. "

"Oh! Is there nothing that will come to our aid, and open the door?"they cried. 

"I will, " said a little barley-bannock, that had lain hidden, toastingon the hearth; and it rose and trundled like a wheel quickly across thefloor. 

But luckily the housewife saw it, and she nipped it between her fingerand thumb, and, because it was only half-baked, it fell with a "splatch"on the cold floor. 

Then the Fairies gave up trying to get into the kitchen, and insteadthey climbed up by the windows into the room where the good housewife'shusband was sleeping, and they swarmed upon his bed and tickled himuntil he tossed about and muttered as if he had a fever. 

Then all of a sudden the good housewife remembered what the Wise Man hadsaid about the fulling-water. She ran to the kitchen and lifted a cupfulout of the pot, and carried it in, and threw it over the bed where herhusband was. 

In an instant he woke up in his right senses. Then he jumped out of bed, ran across the room and opened the door, and the Fairies vanished. Andthey have never been seen from that day to this. 

THE KING OF THE CATS

AN ENGLISH FOLK-TALE

BY ERNEST RHYS

Once upon a time there were two brothers who lived in a lonely house ina very lonely part of Scotland. An old woman used to do the cooking, and there was no one else, unless we count her cat and their own dogs, within miles of them. 

One autumn afternoon the elder of the two, whom we will call Elshender, said he would not go out; so the younger one, Fergus, went alone tofollow the path where they had been shooting the day before, far acrossthe mountains. 

He meant to return home before the early sunset; however, he did not doso, and Elshender became very uneasy as he watched and waited in vaintill long after their usual supper-time. At last Fergus returned, wetand exhausted, nor did he explain why he was so late. 

But after supper when the two brothers were seated before the fire, onwhich the peat crackled cheerfully, the dogs lying at their feet, andthe old woman's black cat sitting gravely with half-shut eyes on thehearth between them, Fergus recovered himself and began to tell hisadventures. 

"You must be wondering, " said he, "what made me so late. I have had avery, very strange adventure to-day. I hardly know what to say about it. I went, as I told you I should, along our yesterday's track. A mountainfog came on just as I was about to turn homewards, and I completely lostmy way. I wandered about for a long time not knowing where I was, tillat last I saw a light, and made for it, hoping to get help. 

"As I came near it, it disappeared, and I found myself close to an oldoak tree. I climbed into the branches the better to look for the light, and, behold! there it was right beneath me, inside the hollow trunk ofthe tree. I seemed to be looking down into a church, where a funeral wastaking place. I heard singing, and saw a coffin surrounded by torches, all carried by--But I know you won't believe me, Elshender, if I tellyou!"

His brother eagerly begged him to go on, and threw a dry peat on thefire to encourage him. The dogs were sleeping quietly, but the cat wassitting up, and seemed to be listening just as carefully and cannily asElshender himself. Both brothers, indeed, turned their eyes on the catas Fergus took up his story. 

"Yes, " he continued, "it is as true as I sit here. The coffin and thetorches were both carried by CATS, and upon the coffin were marked acrown and a scepter!"

He got no farther, for the black cat started up, shrieking:--

"My stars! old Peter's dead, and I'm the King o' the Cats!"--Then rushedup the chimney, and was seen no more. 

THE STRANGE VISITOR

AN ENGLISH FOLK-TALE

BY JOSEPH JACOBS

A woman was sitting at her reel one night; and still she sat, and stillshe reeled, and still she wished for company. 

In came a pair of broad, broad soles, and sat downat the fireside!

And still she sat, and still she reeled, and still shewished for company. 

In came a pair of small, small legs, and sat downon the broad, broad soles!

And still she sat, and still she reeled, and still shewished for company. 

In came a pair of thick, thick knees, and sat downon the small, small legs!

And still she sat, and still she reeled, and still shewished for company. 

In came a pair of thin, thin thighs, and sat downon the thick, thick knees!

And still she sat, and still she reeled, and still shewished for company. 

In came a pair of huge, huge hips, and sat downon the thin, thin thighs!

And still she sat, and still she reeled, and still shewished for company. 

In came a wee, wee waist, and sat down on thehuge, huge hips!

And still she sat, and still she reeled, and still shewished for company. 

In came a pair of broad, broad shoulders, and satdown on the wee, wee waist!

And still she sat, and still she reeled, and still shewished for company. 

In came a pair of small, small arms, and sat downon the broad, broad shoulders!

And still she sat, and still she reeled, and still shewished for company. 

In came a pair of huge, huge hands, and sat downon the small, small arms!

And still she sat, and still she reeled, and still shewished for company. 

In came a small, small neck, and sat down on thebroad, broad shoulders!

And still she sat, and still she reeled, and still shewished for company. 

In came a huge, huge head, and sat down on thesmall, small neck!

. . . . . . . . . 

"How did you get such broad, broad feet?" quoth the Woman. "Much tramping, much tramping!" (GRUFFLY. )

"How did you get such small, small legs?" "AIH-H-H!--late--andWEE-E-E-moul!" (WHININGLY. )

"How did you get such thick, thick knees?" "Much praying, much praying!"(PIOUSLY. )

"How did you get such thin, thin thighs?" "Aih-h-h!--late--andwee-e-e-moul!" (WHININGLY. )

"How did you get such big, big hips?" "Much sitting, much sitting!"(GRUFFLY. )

"How did you get such a wee, wee waist?" "Aih-h-h!--late--andwee-e-e-moul!" (WHININGLY. )

"How did you get such broad, broad shoulders?" "With carrying broom, with carrying broom!" (GRUFFLY. )

"How did you get such small arms?" "Aih-h-h!--late--and wee-e-e-moul!"(WHININGLY. )

"How did you get such huge, huge hands?" "Threshing with an iron flail!Threshing with an iron flail!" (GRUFFLY. )

"How did you get such a small, small neck?" "Aih-h-h!--late--andwee-e-e-moul!" (PITIFULLY. )

"How did you get such a huge, huge head?" "Much knowledge, muchknowledge!" (KEENLY. )

"What do you come for?" "FOR YOU!!!" (AT THE TOP OF THE VOICE, WITH AWAVE OF THE ARMS AND A STAMP OF THE FEET. )

THE BENEVOLENT GOBLIN

FROM GESTA ROMANORUM (ADAPTED)

In the kingdom of England there is a hillock in the midst of a densewood. Thither in old days knights and their followers were wont torepair when tired and thirsty after the chase. When one of their numbercalled out, "I thirst!" there immediately started up a Goblin witha cheerful countenance, clad in a crimson robe, and bearing in hisoutstretched hand a large drinking-horn richly ornamented with gold andprecious jewels, and full of the most delicious, unknown beverage. 

The Goblin presented the horn to the thirsty knight, who drank andinstantly felt refreshed and cool. After the drinker had emptied thehorn, the Goblin offered a silken napkin to wipe the mouth. Then, without waiting to be thanked, the strange creature vanished as suddenlyas he had come. 

Now once there was a knight of churlish nature, who was hunting alonein those parts. Feeling thirsty and fatigued, he visited the hillock andcried out:--

"I thirst!"

Instantly the Goblin appeared and presented the horn. 

When the knight had drained it of its delicious beverage, instead ofreturning the horn, he thrust it into his bosom, and rode hastily away. 

He boasted far and wide of his deed, and his feudal lord hearing thereofcaused him to be bound and cast into prison; then fearing lest he, too, might become partaker in the theft and ingratitude of the knight, thelord presented the jeweled horn to the King of England, who carefullypreserved it among the royal treasures. But never again did thebenevolent Goblin return to the hillock in the wood. 

THE PHANTOM KNIGHT OF THE VANDAL CAMP

FROM GESTA ROMANORUM (ADAPTED)

There was once in Great Britain, a knight named Albert, strong in armsand adorned with every virtue. One day as he was seeking for adventure, he chanced to wander into a castle where he was hospitably entertained. 

At night, after supper, as was usual in great families during thewinter, the household gathered about the hearth and occupied the time inrelating divers tales. 

At last they told how in the near-by plain of Wandlesbury there was ahaunted mound. There in old days the Vandals, who laid waste the landand slaughtered Christians, had pitched their camp and built about it agreat rampart. And it was further related that in the hush of the night, if any one crossed the plain, ascended the mound, and called out in aloud voice, "Let my adversary appear!" there immediately started upfrom the ruined ramparts a huge, ghostly figure, armed and mounted forbattle. This phantom then attacked the knight who had cried out andspeedily overcame him. 

Now, when Albert heard this marvelous tale, he greatly doubted itstruth, and was determined to put the matter to a test. As the moonwas shining brightly, and the night was quiet, he armed, mounted, andimmediately hastened to the plain of Wandlesbury, accompanied by asquire of noble blood. 

He ascended the mound, dismissed his attendant, and shouted:--

"Let my adversary appear!"

Instantly there sprang from the ruins a huge, ghostly knight completelyarmed and mounted on an enormous steed. 

This phantom rushed upon Albert, who spurred his horse, extended hisshield, and drove at his antagonist with his lance. Both knights wereshaken by the encounter. Albert, however, so resolutely and with sostrong an arm pressed his adversary that the latter was thrown violentlyto the ground. Seeing this Albert hastily seized the steed of the fallenknight, and started to leave the mound. 

But the phantom, rising to his feet, and seeing his horse led away, flung his lance and cruelly wounded Albert in the thigh. This done hevanished as suddenly as he had appeared. 

Our knight, overjoyed at his victory, returned in triumph to the castle, where the household crowded around him and praised his bravery. But whenhe put off his armor he found the cuish from his right thigh filled withclots of blood from an angry wound in his side. The family, alarmed, hastened to apply healing herbs and bandages. 

The captured horse was then brought forward. He was prodigiously large, and black as jet. His eyes were fierce and flashing, his neck proudlyarched, and he wore a glittering war-saddle upon his back. 

As the first streaks of dawn began to appear, the animal reared wildly, snorted as if with pain and anger, and struck the ground so furiouslywith his hoofs that the sparks flew. The black cock of the castle crewand the horse, uttering a terrible cry, instantly disappeared. 

And every year, on the selfsame night, at the selfsame hour, the woundsof the knight Albert broke out afresh, and tormented him with agony. Thus till his dying day he bore in his body a yearly reminder of hisencounter with the Phantom Knight of the Vandal Camp. 

THANKSGIVING DAY

(LAST THURSDAY IN NOVEMBER)

THE FIRST HARVEST-HOME IN PLYMOUTH

BY W. DE LOSS LOVE, JR (ADAPTED)

After prayer and fasting and a farewell feast, the Pilgrim Fathers leftthe City of Leyden, and sought the new and unknown land. "So they lefteye goodly & pleasante citie, " writes their historian Bradford, "whichhad been ther resting place near 12 years, but they knew they werepilgrimes & looked not much on those things, but lift up their eyes toye Heavens their dearest cuntrie, and quieted their spirits. "

When, after many vexing days upon the deep, the pilgrims first sightedthe New World, they were filled with praise and thanksgiving. Goingashore they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven. Andafter that, whenever they were delivered from accidents or despair, theygave God "solemne thanks and praise. " Such were the Pilgrims and suchtheir habit day by day. 

The first winter in the New World was marked by great suffering andwant. Hunger and illness thinned the little colony, and caused manygraves to be made on the near-by hillside. 

The spring of 1621 opened. The seed was sown in the fields. Thecolonists cared for it without ceasing, and watched its growth withanxiety; for well they knew that their lives depended upon a fullharvest. 

The days of spring and summer flew by, and the autumn came. Never inHolland or England had the Pilgrims seen the like of the treasuresbounteous Nature now spread before them. The woodlands were arrayed ingorgeous colors, brown, crimson, and gold, and swarmed with game of allkinds, that had been concealed during the summer. The little farm-plotshad been blessed by the sunshine and showers, and now plentiful cropsstood ready for the gathering. The Pilgrims, rejoicing, reaped the fruitof their labors, and housed it carefully for the winter. Then, filledwith the spirit of thanksgiving, they held the first harvest-home in NewEngland. 

For one whole week they rested from work, feasted, exercised theirarms, and enjoyed various recreations. Many Indians visited the colony, amongst these their greatest king, Massasoit, with ninety of his braves. The Pilgrims entertained them for three days. And the Indians went outinto the woods and killed fine deer, which they brought to the colonyand presented to the governor and the captain and others. So all mademerry together. 

And bountiful was the feast. Oysters, fish and wild turkey, Indianmaize and barley bread, geese and ducks, venison and other savory meats, decked the board. Kettles, skillets, and spits were overworked, whileknives and spoons, kindly assisted by fingers, made merry music onpewter plates. Wild grapes, "very sweete and strong, " added zest tothe feast. As to the vegetables, why, the good governor describes themthus:--

 "All sorts of grain which our own land doth yield, Was hither brought, and sown in every field; As wheat and rye, barley, oats, beans, and pease Here all thrive and they profit from them raise; All sorts of roots and herbs in gardens grow, -- Parsnips, carrots, turnips, or what you'll sow, Onions, melons, cucumbers, radishes, Skirets, beets, coleworts and fair cabbages. "

Thus a royal feast it was the Pilgrims spread that first golden autumnat Plymouth, a feast worthy of their Indian guests. 

All slumbering discontents they smothered with common rejoicings. Whenthe holiday was over, they were surely better, braver men because theyhad turned aside to rest awhile and be thankful together. So the exilesof Leyden claimed the harvests of New England. 

This festival was the bursting into life of a new conception of man'sdependence on God's gifts in Nature. It was the promise of autumnalThanksgivings to come. 

THE MASTER OF THE HARVEST

BY MRS. ALFRED GATTY (ADAPTED)

The Master of the Harvest walked by the side of his cornfields in thespringtime. A frown was on his face, for there had been no rain forseveral weeks, and the earth was hard from the parching of the eastwinds. The young wheat had not been able to spring up. 

So as he looked over the long ridges that stretched in rows before him, he was vexed and began to grumble and say:--

"The harvest will be backward, and all things will go wrong. "

Then he frowned more and more, and uttered complaints against Heavenbecause there was no rain; against the earth because it was so dry;against the corn because it had not sprung up. 

And the Master's discontent was whispered all over the field, andalong the ridges where the corn-seed lay. And the poor little seedsmurmured:--

"How cruel to complain! Are we not doing our best? Have we let one dropof moisture pass by unused? Are we not striving every day to be readyfor the hour of breaking forth? Are we idle? How cruel to complain!"

But of all this the Master of the Harvest heard nothing, so the gloomdid not pass from his face. Going to his comfortable home he repeatedto his wife the dark words, that the drought would ruin the harvest, forthe corn was not yet sprung up. 

Then his wife spoke cheering words, and taking her Bible she wrote sometexts upon the flyleaf, and after them the date of the day. 

And the words she wrote were these: "The eyes of all wait upon Thee; andThou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine handand satisfiest the desire of every living thing. How excellent is Thyloving-kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trustunder the shadow of Thy wings. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, morethan in the time that their corn and their wine increased. "

And so a few days passed as before, and the house was gloomy with thediscontent of the Master. But at last one evening there was rain allover the land, and when the Master of the Harvest went out the nextmorning for his early walk by the cornfields, the corn had sprung up atlast. 

The young shoots burst out at once, and very soon all along the ridgeswere to be seen rows of tender blades, tinting the whole field with adelicate green. And day by day the Master of the Harvest saw them, andwas satisfied, but he spoke of other things and forgot to rejoice. 

Then a murmur rose among the corn-blades. 

"The Master was angry because we did not come up; now that we have comeforth why is he not glad? Are we not doing our best? From morning andevening dews, from the glow of the sun, from the juices of the earth, from the freshening breezes, even from clouds and rain, are we nottaking food and strength, warmth and life? Why does he not rejoice?"

And when the Master's wife asked him if the wheat was doing well heanswered, "Fairly well, " and nothing more. 

But the wife opened her Book, and wrote again on the flyleaf: "Who hathdivided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for thelightning of thunder, to cause it to rain on the earth where no man is, on the wilderness wherein there is no man, to satisfy the desolate andwaste ground, and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?For He maketh small the drops of water; they pour down rain accordingto the vapor thereof, which the clouds do drop and distil upon manabundantly. Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or thenoise of his tabernacle?"

Very peaceful were the next few weeks. All nature seemed to rejoice inthe fine weather. The corn-blades shot up strong and tall. They burstinto flowers and gradually ripened into ears of grain. But alas! theMaster of the Harvest had still some fault to find. He looked at theears and saw that they were small. He grumbled and said:--

"The yield will be less than it ought to be. The harvest will be bad. "

And the voice of his discontent was breathed over the cornfield wherethe plants were growing and growing. They shuddered and murmured: "Howthankless to complain! Are we not growing as fast as we can? If we wereidle would we bear wheat-ears at all? How thankless to complain!"

Meanwhile a few weeks went by and a drought settled on the land. Rainwas needed, so that the corn-ears might fill. And behold, while thewish for rain was yet on the Master's lips, the sky became full ofheavy clouds, darkness spread over the land, a wild wind arose, and theroaring of thunder announced a storm. And such a storm! Along the ridgesof corn-plants drove the rain-laden wind, and the plants bent downbefore it and rose again like the waves of the sea. They bowed down andthey rose up. Only where the whirlwind was the strongest they fell tothe ground and could not rise again. 

And when the storm was over, the Master of the Harvest saw hereand there patches of over-weighted corn, yet dripping from thethunder-shower, and he grew angry with them, and forgot to think of thelong ridges where the corn-plants were still standing tall and strong, and where the corn-ears were swelling and rejoicing. 

His face grew darker than ever. He railed against the rain. He railedagainst the sun because it did not shine. He blamed the wheat because itmight perish before the harvest. 

"But why does he always complain?" moaned the corn-plants. "Have we notdone our best from the first? Has not God's blessing been with us? Arewe not growing daily more beautiful in strength and hope? Why does notthe Master trust, as we do, in the future richness of the harvest?"

Of all this the Master of the Harvest heard nothing. But his wife wroteon the flyleaf of her Book: "He watereth the hills from his chambers, the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grassto grow for the cattle and herb for the service of man, that he maybring forth food out of the earth, and wine that maketh glad the heartof man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengthenethman's heart. "

And day by day the hours of sunshine were more in number. And by degreesthe green corn-ears ripened into yellow, and the yellow turned intogold, and the abundant harvest was ready, and the laborers were notwanting. 

Then the bursting corn broke out into songs of rejoicing. "At least wehave not labored and watched in vain! Surely the earth hath yielded herincrease! Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits! Wherenow is the Master of the Harvest? Come, let him rejoice with us!"

And the Master's wife brought out her Book and her husband read thetexts she had written even from the day when the corn-seeds were heldback by the first drought, and as he read a new heart seemed to growwithin him, a heart that was thankful to the Lord of the Great Harvest. And he read aloud from the Book:--

"Thou visitest the earth and waterest it; thou greatly enrichest it withthe river of God which is full of water; thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. Thou waterest the ridges thereofabundantly; thou settlest the furrows thereof; thou makest it soft withshowers; thou blessest the springing thereof. Thou crownest the yearwith thy goodness, and thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon thepastures of the wilderness, and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks. The valleys also are covered overwith corn; they shout for joy, they also sing. --O that men would praisethe Lord for His goodness, and for his wonderful works to the childrenof men!"

SAINT CUTHBERT'S EAGLE

BY THE VENERABLE BEDE (ADAPED)

Once upon a time, the good Saint Cuthbert of Lindesfarne, went forthfrom his monastery to preach to the poor. He took with him a young ladas his only attendant. Together they walked along the dusty way. Theheat of the noonday sun beat upon their heads, and fatigue overcamethem. 

"Son, " said Saint Cuthbert, "do you know any one on the road, whom wemay ask for food and a place in which to rest?"

"I was just thinking the same thing, " answered the lad, "but I knownobody on the road who will entertain us. Alas! why did we not bringalong provisions? How can we proceed on our long journey without them?"

"My son, " answered the saint, "learn to have trust in God, who neverwill suffer those to perish of hunger who believe in Him. "

Then looking up and seeing an eagle flying in the air, he added, "Do yousee the eagle yonder? It is possible for God to feed us by means of thisbird. "

While they were talking thus, they came to a river, and, lo! the eaglestood on the bank. 

"Son, " said Saint Cuthbert, "run and see what provision God has made forus by his handmaid the bird. "

The lad ran, and found a good-sized fish that the eagle had just caught. This he brought to the saint. 

"What have you done?" exclaimed the good man, "why have you not given apart to God's handmaid? Cut the fish in two pieces, and give her one, asher service well deserves. "

The lad did as he was bidden, and the eagle, taking the half fish in herbeak, flew away. 

Then entering a neighboring village, Saint Cuthbert gave the other halfto a peasant to cook, and while the lad and the villagers feasted, thegood saint preached to them the Word of God. 

THE EARS OF WHEAT

BY THE BROTHERS GRIMM (TRANSLATED)

Ages upon ages ago, says the German grandmother, when angels used towander on earth, the ground was more fruitful than it is now. Thenthe stalks of wheat bore not fifty or sixty fold, but four times fivehundred fold. Then the wheat-ears grew from the bottom to the top of thestalk. But the men of the earth forgot that this blessing came from God, and they became idle and selfish. 

One day a woman went through a wheat-field, and her little child, whoaccompanied her, fell into a puddle and soiled her frock. The mothertore off a handful of the wheat-ears and cleaned the child's dress withthem. 

Just then an angel passed by and saw her. Wrathfully he spoke:--

"Wasteful woman, no longer shall the wheat-stalks produce ears. Youmortals are not worthy of the gifts of Heaven!"

Some peasants who were gathering wheat in the fields heard this, andfalling on their knees, prayed and entreated the angel to leave thewheat alone, not only on their account, but for the sake of the littlebirds who otherwise must perish of hunger. 

The angel pitied their distress, and granted a part of the prayer. Andfrom that day to this the ears of wheat have grown as they do now. 

HOW INDIAN CORN CAME INTO THE WORLD

AN OJIBBEWAY LEGEND

BY HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT (ADAPTED)

Long, long ago, in a beautiful part of this country, there lived anIndian with his wife and children. He was poor and found it hard toprovide food enough for his family. But though needy he was kind andcontented, and always gave thanks to the Great Spirit for everythingthat he received. His eldest son, Wunzh, was likewise kind and gentleand thankful of heart, and he longed greatly to do something for hispeople. 

The time came that Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts sothat he may see in a vision the Spirit that is to be his guide throughlife. Wunph's father built him a little lodge apart, so that the boymight rest there undisturbed during his days of fasting. Then Wunzhwithdrew to begin the solemn rite. 

On the first day he walked alone in the woods looking at the flowers andplants, and filling his mind with the beautiful images of growing thingsso that he might see them in his night-dreams. He saw how the flowersand herbs and berries grew, and he knew that some were good for food, and that others healed wounds and cured sickness. And his heart wasfilled with even a greater longing to do something for his family andhis tribe. 

"Truly, " thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we oweour lives. But could He not make it easier for us to get our food thanby hunting and catching fish? I must try to find this out in my vision. "

So Wunzh returned to his lodge and fasted and slept. On the third day hebecame weak and faint. Soon he saw in a vision a young brave coming downfrom the sky and approaching the lodge. He was clad in rich garments ofgreen and yellow colors. On his head was a tuft of nodding green plumes, and all his motions were graceful and swaying. 

"I am sent to you, O Wunzh, " said the sky-stranger, "by that GreatSpirit who made all things in sky and earth. He has seen your fasting, and knows how you wish to do good to your people, and that you do notseek for strength in war nor for the praise of warriors. I am sent totell you how you may do good to your kindred. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcoming me may you learn the secret. "

Wunzh, though he was weak from fasting, felt courage grow in his heart, and he arose and wrestled with the stranger. But soon he became weakerand exhausted, and the stranger, seeing this, smiled gently on him andsaid: "My friend, this is enough for once, I will come again to-morrow. "And he vanished as suddenly as he had appeared. 

The next day the stranger came, and Wunzh felt himself weaker thanbefore; nevertheless he rose and wrestled bravely. Then the strangerspoke a second time. "My friend, " he said, "have courage! To-morrow willbe your last trial. " And he disappeared from Wunzh's sight. 

On the third day the stranger came as before, and the struggle wasrenewed. And Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew strong in mind andwill, and he determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted allhis powers, and, lo! in a while, he prevailed and overcame the stranger. 

"O Wunzh, my friend, " said the conquered one, "you have wrestledmanfully. You have met your trial well. To-morrow I shall come againand you must wrestle with me for the last time. You will prevail. Do youthen strip off my garments, throw me down, clean the earth of roots andweeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body inthe ground. Come often to the place and see whether I have come to life, but be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do allthis well, you will soon discover how to benefit your fellow creatures. "Having said this the stranger disappeared. 

In the morning Wunzh's father came to him with food. "My son, " he said, "you have fasted long. It is seven days since you have tasted food, andyou must not sacrifice your life. The Master of Life does not requirethat. "

"My father, " replied the boy, "wait until the sun goes down to-morrow. For a certain reason I wish to fast until that hour. "

"Very well, " said the old man, "I shall wait until the time arrives whenyou feel inclined to eat. " And he went away. 

The next day, at the usual hour, the sky stranger came again. And, though Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise withinhim. He grasped the stranger with superhuman strength, and threw himdown. He took from him his beautiful garments, and, finding him dead, buried him in the softened earth, and did all else as he had beendirected. 

He then returned to his father's lodge, and partook sparingly of food. There he abode for some time. But he never forgot the grave of hisfriend. Daily he visited it, and pulled up the weeds and grass, and keptthe earth soft and moist. Very soon, to his great wonder, he saw thetops of green plumes coming through the ground. 

Weeks passed by, the summer was drawing to a close. One day Wunzh askedhis father to follow him. He led him to a distant meadow. There, inthe place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and gracefulplant, with bright-colored, silken hair, and crowned by nodding greenplumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew fromits sides clusters of milk-filled ears of corn, golden and sweet, eachear closely wrapped in its green husks. 

"It is my friend!" shouted the boy joyously; "it is Mondawmin, theIndian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this giftis planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and hassent us this food. "

Then the whole family feasted on the ears of corn and thanked the GreatSpirit who gave it. So Indian Corn came into the world. 

THE NUTCRACKER DWARF

BY COUNT FRANZ POCCI (TRANSLATED)

Two boys gathered some hazelnuts in the woods. They sat down under atree and tried to eat them, but they did not have their knives, andcould not bite open the nuts with their teeth. 

"Oh, " they complained, "if only some one would come and open the nutsfor us!"

Hardly had they said this when a little man came through the woods. Andsuch a strange little man! He had a great, great head, and from the backof it a slender pigtail hung down to his heels. He wore a golden cap, ared coat and yellow stockings. 

As he came near he sang:--

 "Hight! hight! Bite! bite! Hans hight I! Nuts bite I! I chase the squirrels through the trees, I gather nuts just as I please, I place them 'twixt my jaws so strong, And crack and eat them all day long!"

The boys almost died of laughter when they saw this funny little man, who they knew was a Wood Dwarf. 

They called out to him: "If you know how to crack nuts, why, come hereand open ours. "

But the little man grumbled through his long white beard:--

 "If I crack the nuts for you Promise that you'll give me two. "

"Yes, yes, " cried the boys, "you shall have all the nuts you wish, onlycrack some for us, and be quick about it!"

The little man stood before them, for he could not sit down because ofhis long, stiff pigtail that hung down behind, and he sang:--

 "Lift my pigtail, long and thin, Place your nuts my jaws within, Pull the pigtail down, and then I'll crack your nuts, my little men. "

The boys did as they were told, laughing hard all the time. Wheneverthey pulled down the pigtail, there was a sharp CRACK, and a broken nutsprang out of the Nutcracker's mouth. 

Soon all the hazelnuts were opened, and the little man grumbled again:--

 "Hight! hight! Bite! bite! Your nuts are cracked, and now my pay I'll take and then I'll go away. "

Now one of the boys wished to give the little man his promised reward, but the other, who was a bad boy, stopped him, saying:--

"Why do you give that old fellow our nuts? There are only enough for us. As for you, Nutcracker, go away from here and find some for yourself. "

Then the little man grew angry, and he grumbled horribly:--

 "If you do not pay my fee, Why, then, you've told a lie to me! I am hungry, you're well fed, Quick, or I'll bite off your head!"

But the bad boy only laughed and said: "You 'll bite off my head, willyou! Go away from here just as fast as you can, or you shall feel thesenut-shells, " and he shook his fist at the little man. 

The Nutcracker grew red with rage. He pulled up his pigtail, snappinghis jaws together, --CRACK, --and the bad boy's head was off. 

THE PUMPKIN PIRATES

A TALE FROM LUCIAN

BY ALFRED J. CHURCH (ADAPTED)

Once upon a time, one Lucian the Greek was filled with a desire to seestrange countries, and especially to discover whether there was anyopposite shore to the ocean by which he lived. 

So having purchased a vessel, he strengthened it for a voyage, that heknew would without doubt be long and stormy. Then he chose fifty stoutyoung fellows having the same love of adventure as himself, and next hehired the best captain that could be got for money, and put a store ofprovisions and water on board. 

All this being done, he set sail. For many days he and his companionsvoyaged on deep waters and in strange seas. At times the wind wasfair and gentle, and at others it blew so hard that the sea rose in aterrible manner. 

One day there came a violent whirlwind which twisted the ship about, and, lifting it into the air, carried it upward into the sky, until itreached the Moon. There Lucian and his comrades disembarked and visitedthe inhabitants of Moonland. They took part in a fierce battle betweenthe Moon-Folk, the Sun-Folk, and an army of Vulture-Horsemen; and, after many other wonderful adventures, they departed from Moonland, and sailing through the sky, visited the Morning Star. Then the winddropping, the ship settled once more upon the sea, and they sailed onthe water. 

One morning the wind began to blow vehemently, and they were driven bystorm for days. On the third day they fell in with the Pumpkin Pirates. These were savages who were wont to sally forth from the islands thatlay in the seas thereabouts, and plunder them that sailed by. 

For ships they had large pumpkins, each being not less than ninety feetin length. These pumpkins they dried, and afterward dug out all theinner part of them till they were quite hollow. For masts they hadreeds, and for sails, in the place of canvas, pumpkin leaves. 

These savages attacked Lucian's vessel with two ships' or rather twopumpkins' crews, and wounded many of his company. For stones they usedthe pumpkin-seeds, which were about the bigness of a large apple. 

Lucian's company fought for some time, without gaining the advantage, when about noon they saw coming toward them, in the rear of the PumpkinPirates, the Nut-Shell Sailors. These two tribes were at war with eachother. 

As soon as the Pumpkin Pirates saw the others approaching, they leftoff fighting Lucian's crew, and prepared to give battle to the Nut-ShellSailors. When Lucian saw this he ordered the captain to set all sails;and they departed with speed. But looking back he could see that theNut-Shell Sailors had the best of the battle, being superior in numbers, having five crews against two of the Pumpkin Pirates, and also becausetheir ships were stronger. As for their ships, they were the shells ofnuts which had been split in half, each measuring fifteen fathoms, orthereabouts. 

As soon as the Pumpkin Pirates and the Nut-Shell Sailors were outof sight, Lucian set himself to dressing the wounds of his injuredcompanions. And from that time on both Lucian and his crew wore theirarmor continually, not knowing when another strange enemy might comeupon them. 

THE SPIRIT OF THE CORN

AN IROQUOIS LEGEND

BY HARRIET MAXWELL CONVERSE (ADAPTED)

There was a time, says the Iroquois grandmother, when it was not needfulto plant the corn-seed nor to hoe the fields, for the corn sprang up ofitself, and filled the broad meadows. Its stalks grew strong and tall, and were covered with leaves like waving banners, and filled with earsof pearly grain wrapped in silken green husks. 

In those days Onatah, the Spirit of the Corn, walked upon the earth. Thesun lovingly touched her dusky face with the blush of the morning, and her eyes grew soft as the gleam of the stars on dark streams. Hernight-black hair was spread before the breeze like a wind-driven cloud. 

As she walked through the fields, the corn, the Indian maize, sprang upof itself from the earth and filled the air with its fringed tassels andwhispering leaves. With Onatah walked her two sisters, the Spirits ofthe Squash and the Bean. As they passed by, squash-vines and bean-plantsgrew from the corn-hills. 

One day Onatah wandered away alone in search of early dew. Then the EvilOne of the earth, Hahgwehdaetgah, followed swiftly after. He grasped herby the hair and dragged her beneath the ground down to his gloomy cave. Then, sending out his fire-breathing monsters, he blighted Onatah'sgrain. And when her sisters, the Spirits of the Squash and the Bean, saw the flame-monsters raging through the fields, they flew far away interror. 

As for poor Onatah, she lay a trembling captive in the dark prison-caveof the Evil One. She mourned the blight of her cornfields, and sorrowedover her runaway sisters. 

"O warm, bright sun!" she cried, "if I may walk once more upon theearth, never again will I leave my corn!"

And the little birds of the air heard her cry, and winging their wayupward they carried her vow and gave it to the sun as he wanderedthrough the blue heavens. 

The sun, who loved Onatah, sent out many searching beams of light. Theypierced through the damp earth, and entering the prison-cave, guided herback again to her fields. 

And ever after that she watched her fields alone, for no more did hersisters, the Spirits of the Squash and Bean, watch with her. Ifher fields thirsted, no longer could she seek the early dew. If theflame-monsters burned her corn, she could not search the skies forcooling winds. And when the great rains fell and injured her harvest, her voice grew so faint that the friendly sun could not hear it. 

But ever Onatah tenderly watched her fields and the little birds of theair flocked to her service. They followed her through the rows of corn, and made war on the tiny enemies that gnawed at the roots of the grain. 

And at harvest-time the grateful Onatah scattered the first gatheredcorn over her broad lands, and the little birds, fluttering and singing, joyfully partook of the feast spread for them on the meadow-ground. 

THE HORN OF PLENTY

BY OVID (ADAPTED)

Aeneus, King of Aetolia, had a daughter whose name was Deianira. Sobeautiful was the maiden that her fame spread throughout the world, andmany princes came to woo her. Among these were two strangers, who droveall the other suitors from the hall of King Aeneus. 

One was Hercules, huge of limb and broad of shoulder. He was clad inthe skins of beasts, and carried in his hand a knotted club. His tangledhair hung down upon his brawny neck, and his fierce eyes gleamed frombehind his shaggy brows. 

The other stranger was Achelous, god of the Calydonian River. Slenderand graceful was he, and clad in flowing green raiment. In his handhe carried a staff of plaited reeds, and on his head was a crown ofwater-lilies. His voice was soft and caressing, like the gentle murmurof summer brooks. 

"O King Aeneus, " said Achelous, standing before the throne, "behold Iam the King of Waters. If thou wilt receive me as thy son-in-law I willmake the beautiful Deianira queen of my river kingdom. "

"King Aeneus, " said the mighty Hercules, stepping forward, "Deianira ismine, and I will not yield her to this river-god. "

"Impertinent stranger!" cried Achelous, turning toward the hero, whilehis voice rose till it sounded like the thunder of distant cataracts, and his green garment changed to the blackness of night, --"impertinentstranger! how darest thou claim this maiden, --thou who hast mortal bloodin thy veins! Behold me, the god Achelous, the powerful King of theWaters! I wind with majesty through the rich lands of my wide realms. Imake all fields through which I flow beautiful with grass and flowers. By my right divine I claim this maiden. "

But with scowling eye and rising wrath Hercules made answer. "Thouwouldst fight with words, like a woman, while I would win by mystrength! My right hand is better than my tongue. If thou wouldst havethe maiden, then must thou first overcome me in combat. "

Thereupon Achelous threw off his raiment and began to prepare himselffor the struggle. Hercules took off his garment of beasts' skins, andcast aside his club. The two then anointed their bodies with oil, andthrew yellow sand upon themselves. 

They took their places, they attacked, they retired, they rushed againto the conflict. They stood firm, and they yielded not. Long theybravely wrestled and fought; till at length Hercules by his mightovercame Achelous and bore him to the ground. He pressed him down, and, while the fallen river-god lay panting for breath, the hero seized himby the neck. 

Then did Achelous have recourse to his magic arts. Transforming himselfinto a serpent he escaped from the hero. He twisted his body intowinding folds, and darted out his forked tongue with frightful hissings. 

But Hercules laughed mockingly, and cried out: "Ah, Achelous! While yetin my cradle I strangled two serpents! And what art thou compared to theHydra whose hundred heads I cut off? Every time I cut of I one head twoothers grew in its place. Yet did I conquer that horror, in spite of itsbranching serpents that darted from every wound! Thinkest thou, then, that I fear thee, thou mimic snake?" And even as he spake he gripped, aswith a pair of pincers, the back of the river-god's head. 

And Achelous struggled in vain to escape. Then, again having recourse tohis magic, he became a raging bull, and renewed the fight. But Hercules, that mighty hero, threw his huge arms over the brawny neck of the bull, and dragged him about. Then seizing hold of his horns, he bent his headto one side, and bearing down fastened them into the ground. And thatwas not enough, but with relentless hand he broke one of the horns, andtore it from Achelous's forehead. 

The river-god returned to his own shape. He roared aloud with rage andpain, and hiding his mutilated head in his mantle, rushed from the halland plunged into the swirling waters of his stream. 

Then the goddess of Plenty, and all the Wood-Nymphs and Water-Nymphscame forward to greet the conqueror with song and dance. They tookthe huge horn of Achelous and heaped it high with the rich and glowingfruits and flowers of autumn. They wreathed it with vines and withclustering grapes, and bearing it aloft presented it to Hercules and hisbeautiful bride Deianira. 

And ever since that day has the Horn of Plenty gladdened men's hearts atHarvest-Time. 

CHRISTMAS DAY

(DECEMBER 25)

LITTLE PICCOLA

AFTER CELIA THAXTER

In the sunny land of France there lived many years ago a sweet littlemaid named Piccola. 

Her father had died when she was a baby, and her mother was very poorand had to work hard all day in the fields for a few sous. 

Little Piccola had no dolls and toys, and she was often hungry and cold, but she was never sad nor lonely. 

What if there were no children for her to play with! What if she did nothave fine clothes and beautiful toys! In summer there were always thebirds in the forest, and the flowers in the fields and meadows, --thebirds sang so sweetly, and the flowers were so bright and pretty!

In the winter when the ground was covered with snow, Piccola helped hermother, and knit long stockings of blue wool. 

The snow-birds had to be fed with crumbs, if she could find any, andthen, there was Christmas Day. 

But one year her mother was ill and could not earn any money. Piccolaworked hard all the day long, and sold the stockings which she knit, even when her own little bare feet were blue with the cold. 

As Christmas Day drew near she said to her mother, "I wonder what thegood Saint Nicholas will bring me this year. I cannot hang my stockingin the fireplace, but I shall put my wooden shoe on the hearth for him. He will not forget me, I am sure. "

"Do not think of it this year, my dear child, " replied her mother. "Wemust be glad if we have bread enough to eat. "

But Piccola could not believe that the good saint would forget her. OnChristmas Eve she put her little wooden patten on the hearth before thefire, and went to sleep to dream of Saint Nicholas. 

As the poor mother looked at the little shoe, she thought how unhappyher dear child would be to find it empty in the morning, and wished thatshe had something, even if it were only a tiny cake, for a Christmasgift. There was nothing in the house but a few sous, and these must besaved to buy bread. 

When the morning dawned Piccola awoke and ran to her shoe. 

Saint Nicholas had come in the night. He had not forgotten the littlechild who had thought of him with such faith. 

See what he had brought her. It lay in the wooden patten, looking up ather with its two bright eyes, and chirping contentedly as she strokedits soft feathers. 

A little swallow, cold and hungry, had flown into the chimney and downto the room, and had crept into the shoe for warmth. 

Piccola danced for joy, and clasped the shivering swallow to her breast. 

She ran to her mother's bedside. "Look, look!" she cried. "A Christmasgift, a gift from the good Saint Nicholas!" And she danced again in herlittle bare feet. 

Then she fed and warmed the bird, and cared for it tenderly all winterlong; teaching it to take crumbs from her hand and her lips, and to siton her shoulder while she was working. 

In the spring she opened the window for it to fly away, but it livedin the woods near by all summer, and came often in the early morning tosing its sweetest songs at her door. 

THE STRANGER CHILD

A LEGEND

BY COUNT FRANZ POCCI (TRANSLATED)

There once lived a laborer who earned his daily bread by cutting wood. His wife and two children, a boy and girl, helped him with his work. Theboy's name was Valentine, and the girl's, Marie. They were obedient andpious and the joy and comfort of their poor parents. 

One winter evening, this good family gathered about the table to eattheir small loaf of bread, while the father read aloud from the Bible. Just as they sat down there came a knock on the window, and a sweetvoice called:--

"O let me in! I am a little child, and I have nothing to eat, and noplace to sleep in. I am so cold and hungry! Please, good people, let mein!"

Valentine and Marie sprang from the table and ran to open the door, saying:--

"Come in, poor child, we have but very little ourselves, not much morethan thou hast, but what we have we will share with thee. "

The stranger Child entered, and going to the fire began to warm his coldhands. 

The children gave him a portion of their bread, and said:--

"Thou must be very tired; come, lie down in our bed, and we will sleepon the bench here before the fire. "

Then answered the stranger Child: "May God in Heaven reward you for yourkindness. "

They led the little guest to their small room, laid him in their bed, and covered him closely, thinking to themselves:--

"Oh! how much we have to be thankful for! We have our nice warm room andcomfortable bed, while this Child has nothing but the sky for a roof, and the earth for a couch. "

When the parents went to their bed, Valentine and Marie lay down on thebench before the fire, and said one to the other:--

"The stranger Child is happy now, because he is so warm! Good-night!"

Then they fell asleep. 

They had not slept many hours, when little Marie awoke, and touching herbrother lightly, whispered:--

"Valentine, Valentine, wake up! wake up! Listen to the beautiful musicat the window. "

Valentine rubbed his eyes and listened. He heard the most wonderfulsinging and the sweet notes of many harps. 

 "Blessed Child, Thee we greet, With sound of harp And singing sweet. 

 "Sleep in peace, Child so bright, We have watched thee All the night. 

 "Blest the home That holdeth Thee, Peace, and love, Its guardians be. "

The children listened to the beautiful singing, and it seemed to fillthem with unspeakable happiness. Then creeping to the window they lookedout. 

They saw a rosy light in the east, and, before the house in the snow, stood a number of little children holding golden harps and lutes intheir hands, and dressed in sparkling, silver robes. 

Full of wonder at this sight, Valentine and Marie continued to gaze outat the window, when they heard a sound behind them, and turning saw thestranger Child standing near. He was clad in a golden garment, and worea glistening, golden crown upon his soft hair. Sweetly he spoke to thechildren:--

"I am the Christ Child, who wanders about the world seeking to bringjoy and good things to loving children. Because you have lodged me thisnight I will leave with you my blessing. "

As the Christ Child spoke He stepped from the door, and breaking offa bough from a fir tree that grew near, planted it in the ground, saying:--

"This bough shall grow into a tree, and every year it shall bearChristmas fruit for you. "

Having said this He vanished from their sight, together with thesilver-clad, singing children--the angels. 

And, as Valentine and Marie looked on in wonder, the fir bough grew, andgrew, and grew, into a stately Christmas Tree laden with golden apples, silver nuts, and lovely toys. And after that, every year at Christmastime, the Tree bore the same wonderful fruit. 

And you, dear boys and girls, when you gather around your richlydecorated trees, think of the two poor children who shared their breadwith a stranger child, and be thankful. 

SAINT CHRISTOPHER

A GOLDEN LEGEND

ENGLISHED BY WILLIAM CAXTON (ADAPTED)

Christopher was a Canaanite, and he was of a right great stature, twelvecubits in height, and had a terrible countenance. And it is said that ashe served and dwelled with the King of Canaan, it came in his mind thathe would seek the greatest prince that was in the world, and him wouldhe serve and obey. 

So he went forth and came to a right great king, whom fame said was thegreatest of the world. And when the king saw him he received him intohis service, and made him to dwell in his court. 

Upon a time a minstrel sang before him a song in which he named oft thedevil. And the king, who was a Christian, when he heard him name thedevil, made anon the sign of the cross. 

And when Christopher saw that he marveled, and asked what the sign mightmean. And because the king would not say, he said: "If thou tell me not, I shall no longer dwell with thee. "

And then the King told him, saying: "Alway when I hear the devil namedmake I this sign lest he grieve or annoy me. "

Then said Christopher to him: "Fearest thou the devil? Then is the devilmore mighty and greater than thou art. I am then deceived, for I hadsupposed that I had found the most mighty and the most greatest lord inall the world! Fare thee well, for I will now go seek the devil to be mylord and I his servant. "

So Christopher departed from this king and hastened to seek the devil. And as he went by a great desert he saw a company of knights, and one ofthem, a knight cruel and horrible, came to him and demanded whither hewent. 

And Christopher answered: "I go to seek the devil for to be my master. "

Then said the knight: "I am he that thou seekest. "

And then Christopher was glad and bound himself to be the devil'sservant, and took him for his master and lord. 

Now, as they went along the way they found there a cross, erect andstanding. And anon as the devil saw the cross he was afeared and fled. And when Christopher saw that he marveled and demanded why he wasafeared, and why he fled away. And the devil would not tell him in nowise. 

Then Christopher said to him: "If thou wilt not tell me, I shall anondepart from thee and shall serve thee no more. "

Wherefore the devil was forced to tell him and said: "There was a mancalled Christ, which was hanged on the cross, and when I see his sign Iam sore afraid and flee from it. "

To whom Christopher said: "Then he is greater and more mightier thanthou, since thou art afraid of his sign, and I see well that I havelabored in vain, and have not founden the greatest lord of the world. Iwill serve thee no longer, but I will go seek Christ. "

And when Christopher had long sought where he should find Christ, atlast he came into a great desert, to a hermit that dwelt there. And heinquired of him where Christ was to be found. 

Then answered the hermit: "The king whom thou desirest to serve, requireth that thou must often fast. "

Christopher said: "Require of me some other thing and I shall do it, butfast I may not. "

And the hermit said: "Thou must then wake and make many prayers. "

And Christopher said: "I do not know how to pray, so this I may not do. "

And the hermit said: "Seest thou yonder deep and wide river, in whichmany people have perished? Because thou art noble, and of high statureand strong of limb, so shalt thou live by the river and thou shalt bearover all people who pass that way. And this thing will be pleasing toour Lord Jesu Christ, whom thou desirest to serve, and I hope he shallshow himself to thee. "

Then said Christopher: "Certes, this service may I well do, and Ipromise Him to do it. "

Then went Christopher to this river, and built himself there a hut. Hecarried a great pole in his hand, to support himself in the water, andbore over on his shoulders all manner of people to the other side. Andthere he abode, thus doing many days. 

And on a time, as he slept in his hut, he heard the voice of a childwhich called him:--

"Christopher, Christopher, come out and bear me over. "

Then he awoke and went out, but he found no man. And when he was againin his house he heard the same voice, crying:--

"Christopher, Christopher, come out and bear me over. "

And he ran out and found nobody. 

And the third time he was called and ran thither, and he found a Childby the brink of the river, which prayed him goodly to bear him over thewater. 

And then Christopher lifted up the Child on his shoulders, and took hisstaff, and entered into the river for to pass over. And the water of theriver arose and swelled more and more; and the Child was heavy as lead, and always as Christopher went farther the water increased and grewmore, and the Child more and more waxed heavy, insomuch that Christophersuffered great anguish and was afeared to be drowned. 

And when he was escaped with great pain, and passed over the water, andset the Child aground, he said:--

"Child, thou hast put me in great peril. Thou weighest almost as I hadall the world upon me. I might bear no greater burden. "

And the Child answered: "Christopher, marvel thee nothing, for thou hastnot only borne all the world upon thee, but thou hast borne Him thatcreated and made all the world, upon thy shoulders. I am Jesu Christ theKing whom thou servest. And that thou mayest know that I say the truth, set thy staff in the earth by thy house, and thou shalt see to-morn thatit shall bear flowers and fruit. "

And anon the Child vanished from his eyes. 

And then Christopher set his staff in the earth, and when he arose onthe morn, he found his staff bearing flowers, leaves, and dates. 

THE CHRISTMAS ROSE

AN OLD LEGEND

BY LIZZIE DEAS (ADAPTED)

When the Magi laid their rich offerings of myrrh, frankincense, andgold, by the bed of the sleeping Christ Child, legend says that ashepherd maiden stood outside the door quietly weeping. 

She, too, had sought the Christ Child. She, too, desired to bring himgifts. But she had nothing to offer, for she was very poor indeed. Invain she had searched the countryside over for one little flower tobring Him, but she could find neither bloom nor leaf, for the winter hadbeen cold. 

And as she stood there weeping, an angel passing saw her sorrow, andstooping he brushed aside the snow at her feet. And there sprang up onthe spot a cluster of beautiful winter roses, --waxen white with pinktipped petals. 

"Nor myrrh, nor frankincense, nor gold, " said the angel, "is offeringmore meet for the Christ Child than these pure Christmas Roses. "

Joyfully the shepherd maiden gathered the flowers and made her offeringto the Holy Child. 

THE WOODEN SHOES OF LITTLE WOLFF

BY FRANCOIS COPPEE (ADAPTED)

Once upon a time, --so long ago that the world has forgotten thedate, --in a city of the North of Europe, --the name of which is so hardto pronounce that no one remembers it, --there was a little boy, justseven years old, whose name was Wolff. He was an orphan and lived withhis aunt, a hard-hearted, avaricious old woman, who never kissed him butonce a year, on New Year's Day; and who sighed with regret every timeshe gave him a bowlful of soup. 

The poor little boy was so sweet-tempered that he loved the old woman inspite of her bad treatment, but he could not look without trembling atthe wart, decorated with four gray hairs, which grew on the end of hernose. 

As Wolff's aunt was known to have a house of her own and a woolenstocking full of gold, she did not dare to send her nephew to the schoolfor the poor. But she wrangled so that the schoolmaster of the richboys' school was forced to lower his price and admit little Wolff amonghis pupils. The bad schoolmaster was vexed to have a boy so meanly cladand who paid so little, and he punished little Wolff severely withoutcause, ridiculed him, and even incited against him his comrades, whowere the sons of rich citizens. They made the orphan their drudge andmocked at him so much that the little boy was as miserable as thestones in the street, and hid himself away in corners to cry--when theChristmas season came. 

On the Eve of the great Day the schoolmaster was to take all his pupilsto the midnight mass, and then to conduct them home again to theirparents' houses. 

Now as the winter was very severe, and a quantity of snow had fallenwithin the past few days, the boys came to the place of meeting warmlywrapped up, with fur-lined caps drawn down over their ears, paddedjackets, gloves and knitted mittens, and good strong shoes with thicksoles. Only little Wolff presented himself shivering in his thineveryday clothes, and wearing on his feet socks and wooden shoes. 

His naughty comrades tried to annoy him in every possible way, butthe orphan was so busy warming his hands by blowing on them, and wassuffering so much from chilblains, that he paid no heed to the taunts ofthe others. Then the band of boys, marching two by two, started for theparish church. 

It was comfortable inside the church, which was brilliant with lightedtapers. And the pupils, made lively by the gentle warmth, the sound ofthe organ, and the singing of the choir, began to chatter in low tones. They boasted of the midnight treats awaiting them at home. The son ofthe Mayor had seen, before leaving the house, a monstrous goose lardedwith truffles so that it looked like a black-spotted leopard. Anotherboy told of the fir tree waiting for him, on the branches of which hungoranges, sugar-plums, and punchinellos. Then they talked about what theChrist Child would bring them, or what he would leave in their shoeswhich they would certainly be careful to place before the fire when theywent to bed. And the eyes of the little rogues, lively as a crowd ofmice, sparkled with delight as they thought of the many gifts theywould find on waking, --the pink bags of burnt almonds, the bonbons, leadsoldiers standing in rows, menageries, and magnificent jumping-jacks, dressed in purple and gold. 

Little Wolff, alas! knew well that his miserly old aunt would send himto bed without any supper; but as he had been good and industrious allthe year, he trusted that the Christ Child would not forget him, so hemeant that night to set his wooden shoes on the hearth. 

The midnight mass was ended. The worshipers hurried away, anxious toenjoy the treats awaiting them in their homes. The band of pupils, twoby two, following the schoolmaster, passed out of the church. 

Now, under the porch, seated on a stone bench, in the shadow of anarched niche, was a child asleep, --a little child dressed in a whitegarment and with bare feet exposed to the cold. He was not a beggar, forhis dress was clean and new, and--beside him upon the ground, tied in acloth, were the tools of a carpenter's apprentice. 

Under the light of the stars, his face, with its closed eyes, shonewith an expression of divine sweetness, and his soft, curling blond hairseemed to form an aureole of light about his forehead. But his tenderfeet, blue with the cold on this cruel night of December, were pitifulto see!

The pupils so warmly clad and shod, passed with indifference beforethe unknown child. Some, the sons of the greatest men in the city, castlooks of scorn on the barefooted one. But little Wolff, coming lastout of the church, stopped deeply moved before the beautiful, sleepingchild. 

"Alas!" said the orphan to himself, "how dreadful! This poor little onegoes without stockings in weather so cold! And, what is worse, he has noshoe to leave beside him while he sleeps, so that the Christ Child mayplace something in it to comfort him in all his misery. "

And carried away by his tender heart, little Wolff drew off the woodenshoe from his right foot, placed it before the sleeping child; and asbest as he was able, now hopping, now limping, and wetting his sock inthe snow, he returned to his aunt. 

"You good-for-nothing!" cried the old woman, full of rage as she sawthat one of his shoes was gone. "What have you done with your shoe, little beggar?"

Little Wolff did not know how to lie, and, though shivering with terroras he saw the gray hairs on the end of her nose stand upright, he tried, stammering, to tell his adventure. 

But the old miser burst into frightful laughter. "Ah! the sweet youngmaster takes off his shoe for a beggar! Ah! master spoils a pair ofshoes for a barefoot! This is something new, indeed! Ah! well, sincethings are so, I will place the shoe that is left in the fireplace, andto-night the Christ Child will put in a rod to whip you when you wake. And to-morrow you shall have nothing to eat but water and dry bread, andwe shall see if the next time you will give away your shoe to the firstvagabond that comes along. "

And saying this the wicked woman gave him a box on each ear, and madehim climb to his wretched room in the loft. There the heartbroken littleone lay down in the darkness, and, drenching his pillow with tears, fellasleep. 

But in the morning, when the old woman, awakened by the cold and shakenby her cough, descended to the kitchen, oh! wonder of wonders! shesaw the great fireplace filled with bright toys, magnificent boxes ofsugar-plums, riches of all sorts, and in front of all this treasure, thewooden shoe which her nephew had given to the vagabond, standing besidethe other shoe which she herself had placed there the night before, intending to put in it a handful of switches. 

And as little Wolff, who had come running at the cries of his aunt, stood in speechless delight before all the splendid Christmas gifts, there came great shouts of laughter from the street. 

The old woman and the little boy went out to learn what it was allabout, and saw the gossips gathered around the public fountain. Whatcould have happened? Oh, a most amusing and extraordinary thing! Thechildren of all the rich men of the city, whose parents wished tosurprise them with the most beautiful gifts, had found nothing butswitches in their shoes!

Then the old woman and little Wolff remembered with alarm all the richesthat were in their own fireplace, but just then they saw the pastor ofthe parish church arriving with his face full of perplexity. 

Above the bench near the church door, in the very spot where the nightbefore a child, dressed in white, with bare feet exposed to the greatcold, had rested his sleeping head, the pastor had seen a goldencircle wrought into the old stones. Then all the people knew that thebeautiful, sleeping child, beside whom had lain the carpenter's tools, was the Christ Child himself, and that he had rewarded the faith andcharity of little Wolff. 

THE PINE TREE

BY HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN (TRANSLATED)

I. WHEN IT WAS LITTLE

Out in the woods stood such a nice little Pine Tree: he had a goodplace; the sun could get at him; there was fresh air enough; and roundhim grew many big comrades, both pines and firs. But the little Pinewanted so very much to be a grown-up tree. 

He did not think of the warm sun and of the fresh air, he did not carefor the little cottage-children who ran about and prattled when theywere looking for wild strawberries and raspberries. Often they came witha whole jug full, or had their strawberries strung on a straw, and satdown near the little Tree and said, "Oh, what a nice little fellow!"This was what the Tree could not bear to hear. 

The year after he had shot up a good deal, and the next year after hewas still bigger; for with pine trees one can always tell by the shootshow many years old they are. 

"Oh, were I but such a big tree as the others are, " sighed the littleTree. "Then I could spread my branches so far, and with the tops lookout into the wide world! Birds would build nests among my branches; andwhen there was a breeze, I could nod as grandly as the others there. "

He had no delight at all in the sunshine, or in the birds, or the redclouds which morning and evening sailed above him. 

When now it was winter and the snow all around lay glittering white, a hare would often come leaping along, and jump right over the littleTree. Oh, that made him so angry! But two winters went by, and withthe third the Tree was so big that the hare had to go round it. "Oh, togrow, to grow, to become big and old, and be tall, " thought the Tree:"that, after all, is the most delightful thing in the world!"

In autumn the wood-cutters always came and felled some of the largesttrees. This happened every year, and the young Pine Tree, that was nowquite well grown, trembled at the sight; for the great stately treesfell to the earth with noise and cracking, the branches were lopped off, and the trees looked quite bare, they were so long and thin; you wouldhardly know them for trees, and then they were laid on carts, and horsesdragged them out of the wood. 

Where did they go to? What became of them?

In spring, when the Swallow and the Stork came, the Tree asked them, "Don't you know where they have been taken? Have you not met themanywhere?"

The Swallow did not know anything about it; but the Stork lookeddoubtful, nodded his head, and said, "Yes; I have it; I met many newships as I was flying from Egypt; on the ships were splendid masts, andI dare say it was they that smelt so of pine. I wish you joy, for theylifted themselves on high in fine style!"

"Oh, were I but old enough to fly across the sea! How does the seareally look? and what is it like?"

"Aye, that takes a long time to tell, " said the Stork, and away he went. 

"Rejoice in thy youth!" said the Sunbeams, "rejoice in thy heartygrowth, and in the young life that is in thee!"

And the Wind kissed the Tree, and the Dew wept tears over him, but thePine Tree understood it not. 

II. CHRISTMAS IN THE WOODS

When Christmas came, quite young trees were cut down; trees which werenot even so large or of the same age as this Pine Tree, who had no restor peace, but always wanted to be off. These young trees, and they werealways the finest looking, always kept their branches; they were laid oncarts, and the horses drew them out of the wood. 

"Where are they going to?" asked the Pine Tree. "They are not tallerthan I; there was one, indeed, that was much shorter;--and why do theykeep all their branches? Where are they carrying them to?"

"We know! we know!" chirped the Sparrows. "We have peeped in at thewindows down there in the town. We know where they are carrying themto. Oh, they are going to where it is as bright and splendid as you canthink! We peeped through the windows, and saw them planted in the middleof the warm room, and dressed with the most splendid things, --withgilded apples, with gingerbread, with toys and many hundred lights!"

"And then?" asked the Pine Tree, and he trembled in every bough. "Andthen? What happens then?"

"We did not see anything more: it beat everything!"

"I wonder if I am to sparkle like that!" cried the Tree, rejoicing. "That is still better than to go over the sea! How I do suffer for verylonging! Were Christmas but come! I am now tall, and stretch out likethe others that were carried off last year! Oh, if I were already onthe cart! I wish I were in the warm room with all the splendor andbrightness. And then? Yes; then will come something better, somethingstill grander, or why should they dress me out so? There must comesomething better, something still grander, --but what? Oh, how I long, how I suffer! I do not know myself what is the matter with me!"

"Rejoice in us!" said the Air and the Sunlight; "rejoice in thy freshyouth out here in the open air!"

But the Tree did not rejoice at all; he grew and grew; and he stoodthere in all his greenery; rich green was he winter and summer. Peoplethat saw him said, "That's a fine tree!" and toward Christmas he wasthe first that was cut down. The axe struck deep into the very pith; theTree fell to the earth with a sigh: he felt a pang--it was like a swoon;he could not think of happiness, for he was sad at being parted from hishome, from the place where he had sprung up. He well knew that he shouldnever see his dear old comrades, the little bushes and flowers aroundhim, any more; perhaps not even the birds! The setting off was not atall pleasant. 

The Tree only came to himself when he was unloaded in a courtyard withother trees, and heard a man say, "That one is splendid! we don't wantthe others. " Then two servants came in rich livery and carried thePine Tree into a large and splendid room. Portraits were hanging on thewalls, and near the white porcelain stove stood two large Chinese vaseswith lions on the covers. There, too, were large easy-chairs, silkensofas, large tables full of picture-books, and full of toys worth ahundred times a hundred dollars--at least so the children said. And thePine Tree was stuck upright in a cask filled with sand: but no one couldsee that it was a cask, for green cloth was hung all around it, and itstood on a gayly colored carpet. Oh, how the Tree quivered! What was tohappen? The servants, as well as the young ladies, dressed it. On onebranch there hung little nets cut out of colored paper; each net wasfilled with sugar-plums; gilded apples and walnuts hung as though theygrew tightly there, and more than a hundred little red, blue, and whitetapers were stuck fast into the branches. Dolls that looked for all theworld like men--the Tree had never seen such things before--flutteredamong the leaves, and at the very top a large star of gold tinsel wasfixed. It was really splendid--splendid beyond telling. 

"This evening!" said they all; "how it will shine this evening!"

"Oh, " thought the Tree, "if it were only evening! If the tapers were butlighted! And then I wonder what will happen! I wonder if the other treesfrom the forest will come to look at me! I wonder if the sparrows willbeat against the window-panes! I wonder if I shall take root here, andstand dressed so winter and summer!"

Aye, aye, much he knew about the matter! but he had a real back-achefor sheer longing, and a back-ache with trees is the same thing as ahead-ache with us. 

III. CHRISTMAS IN THE HOUSE

The candles were now lighted. What brightness! What splendor! The Treetrembled so in every bough that one of the tapers set fire to a greenbranch. It blazed up splendidly. 

Now the Tree did not even dare to tremble. That was a fright! He was soafraid of losing something of all his finery, that he was quite confusedamidst the glare and brightness; and now both folding-doors opened, anda troop of children rushed in as if they would tip the whole Tree over. The older folks came quietly behind; the little ones stood quite still, but only for a moment, then they shouted so that the whole place echoedtheir shouts, they danced round the Tree, and one present after anotherwas pulled off. 

"What are they about?" thought the Tree. "What is to happen now?" Andthe lights burned down to the very branches, and as they burned downthey were put out one after the other, and then the children had leaveto plunder the Tree. Oh, they rushed upon it so that it cracked in allits limbs; if its tip-top with the gold star on it had not been fastenedto the ceiling, it would have tumbled over. 

The children danced about with their pretty toys; no one looked at theTree except the old nurse, who peeped in among the branches; but it wasonly to see if there was a fig or an apple that had been forgotten. 

"A story! a story!" cried the children, and they dragged a little fatman toward the Tree. He sat down under it, and said, "Now we are in theshade, and the Tree can hear very well too. But I shall tell onlyone story. Now which will you have: that about Ivedy-Avedy, or aboutKlumpy-Dumpy who tumbled downstairs, and came to the throne after all, and married the princess?"

"Ivedy-Avedy, " cried some; "Klumpy-Dumpy, " cried the others. There wassuch a bawling and screaming!--the Pine Tree alone was silent, and hethought to himself, "Am I not to bawl with the rest?--am I to do nothingwhatever?"--for he was one of them, and he had done what he had to do. 

And the man told about Klumpy-Dumpy who tumbled downstairs, and came tothe throne after all, and married the princess. And the children clappedtheir hands, and cried out, "Go on, go on!" They wanted to hear aboutIvedy-Avedy too, but the little man only told them about Klumpy-Dumpy. The Pine Tree stood quite still and thoughtful: the birds in the woodhad never told anything like this. "Klumpy-Dumpy fell downstairs, andyet he married the princess! Yes, yes, that's the way of the world!"thought the Pine Tree, and he believed it all, because it was such anice man who told the story. 

"Well, well! who knows, perhaps I may fall downstairs, too, and so get aprincess!" And he looked forward with joy to the next day when he shouldbe decked out with lights and toys, fruits and tinsel. 

"To-morrow I won't tremble!" thought the Pine Tree. "I will enjoy tothe full all my splendor! To-morrow I shall hear again the story ofKlumpy-Dumpy, and perhaps that of Ivedy-Avedy too. " And the whole nightthe Tree stood still in deep thought. 

In the morning the servant and the maid came in. 

IV. IN THE ATTIC

"Now all the finery will begin again, " thought the Pine. But theydragged him out of the room, and up the stairs into the attic; and herein a dark corner, where no daylight could enter, they left him. "What'sthe meaning of this?" thought the Tree. "What am I to do here? Whatshall I see and hear now, I wonder?" And he leaned against the wall andstood and thought and thought. And plenty of time he had, for days andnights passed, and nobody came up; and when at last somebody did come, it was only to put some great trunks in the corner. There stood the Treequite hidden; it seemed as if he had been entirely forgotten. 

"'T is now winter out-of-doors!" thought the Tree. "The earth is hardand covered with snow; men cannot plant me now; therefore I have beenput up here under cover till spring! How thoughtful that is! How goodmen are, after all! If it were not so dark here, and so terribly lonely!Not even a hare. Out there it was so pleasant in the woods, when thesnow was on the ground, and the hare leaped by; yes--even when he jumpedover me; but I did not like it then. It is terribly lonely here!"

"Squeak! squeak!" said a little Mouse at the same moment, peeping out ofhis hole. And then another little one came. They snuffed about the PineTree, and rustled among the branches. 

"It is dreadfully cold, " said the little Mouse. "But for that, it wouldbe delightful here, old Pine, wouldn't it!"

"I am by no means old, " said the Pine Tree. "There are many a good dealolder than I am. "

"Where do you come from?" asked the Mice; "and what can you do?" Theywere so very curious. "Tell us about the most beautiful spot on earth. Have you been there? Were you ever in the larder, where cheeses lie onthe shelves, and hams hang from above; where one dances about on tallowcandles; where one goes in lean and comes out fat?"

"I don't know that place, " said the Tree. "But I know the wood where thesun shines, and where the little birds sing. "

And then he told his story from his youth up; and the little Mice hadnever heard the like before; and they listened and said, "Well, to besure! How much you have seen! How happy you must have been!"

"I!" said the Pine Tree, and he thought over what he had himself told. "Yes, really those were happy times. " And then he told about ChristmasEve, when he was decked out with cakes and candles. 

"Oh, " said the little Mice, "how lucky you have been, old Pine Tree!"

"I am not at all old, " said he. "I came from the wood this winter; I amin my prime, and am only rather short of my age. "

"What delightful stories you know!" said the Mice: and the next nightthey came with four other little Mice, who were to hear what the Treehad to tell; and the more he told, the more plainly he remembered allhimself; and he thought: "That was a merry time! But it can come! it cancome! Klumpy-Dumpy fell down stairs, and yet he got a princess! Maybe Ican get a princess too!" And all of a sudden he thought of a nice littleBirch Tree growing out in the woods: to the Pine, that would be a reallycharming princess. 

"Who is Klumpy-Dumpy?" asked the little Mice. 

So then the Pine Tree told the whole fairy tale, for he could rememberevery single word of it; and the little Mice jumped for joy up to thevery top of the Tree. Next night two more Mice came, and on Sunday twoRats, even; but they said the stories were not amusing, which vexedthe little Mice, because they, too, now began to think them not so veryamusing either. 

"Do you know only that one story?" asked the Rats. 

"Only that one!" answered the Tree. "I heard it on my happiest evening;but I did not then know how happy I was. "

"It is a very stupid story! Don't you know one about bacon and tallowcandles? Can't you tell any larder-stories?"

"No, " said the Tree. 

"Thank you, then, " said the Rats; and they went home. 

At last the little Mice stayed away also; and the Tree sighed: "Afterall, it was very pleasant when the sleek little Mice sat round me andheard what I told them. Now that too is over. But I will take good careto enjoy myself when I am brought out again. "

But when was that to be? Why, it was one morning when there came anumber of people and set to work in the loft. The trunks were moved, thetree was pulled out and thrown down; they knocked him upon the floor, but a man drew him at once toward the stairs, where the daylight shone. 

V. OUT OF DOORS AGAIN

"Now life begins again, " thought the Tree. He felt the fresh air, thefirst sunbeam, --and now he was out in the courtyard. All passed soquickly that the Tree quite forgot to look to himself, there was so muchgoing on around him. The court adjoined a garden, and all was in flower;the roses hung over the fence, so fresh and smelling so sweetly;the lindens were in blossom, the Swallows flew by, and said, "Quirre-virre-vit! my husband is come!" But it was not the Pine Treethat they meant. 

"Now, I shall really live, " said he with joy, and spread out hisbranches; dear! dear! they were all dry and yellow. It was in a corneramong weeds and nettles that he lay. The golden star of tinsel was stillon top of the Tree, and shone in the bright sunshine. 

In the courtyard a few of the merry children were playing who had dancedat Christmas round the Tree, and were so glad at the sight of him. Oneof the littlest ran and tore off the golden star. 

"See what is still on the ugly old Christmas Tree!" said he, and hetrampled on the branches, so that they cracked under his feet. 

And the Tree saw all the beauty of the flowers, and the freshness in thegarden; he saw himself, and he wished he had stayed in his dark cornerin the attic: he thought of his fresh youth in the wood, of the merryChristmas Eve, and of the little Mice who had heard so gladly the storyof Klumpy-Dumpy. 

"Gone! gone!" said the poor Tree. "Had I but been happy when I could be. Gone! gone!"

And the gardener's boy came and chopped the Tree into small pieces;there was a whole heap lying there. The wood flamed up finely underthe large brewing kettle, and it sighed so deeply! Each sigh was like alittle shot. So the children ran to where it lay and sat down before thefire, and peeped in at the blaze, and shouted "Piff! paff!" But at everysnap there was a deep sigh. The Tree was thinking of summer days inthe wood, and of winter nights when the stars shone; it was thinkingof Christmas Eve and Klumpy-Dumpy, the only fairy tale it had heard andknew how to tell, --and so the Tree burned out. 

The boys played about in the court, and the youngest wore the gold staron his breast which the Tree had worn on the happiest evening of hislife. Now, that was gone, the Tree was gone, and gone too was the story. All, all was gone, and that's the way with all stories. 

THE CHRISTMAS CUCKOO

BY FRANCES BROWNE (ADAPTED)

Once upon a time there stood in the midst of a bleak moor, in the NorthCountry, a certain village. All its inhabitants were poor, for theirfields were barren, and they had little trade; but the poorest of themall were two brothers called Scrub and Spare, who followed the cobbler'scraft. Their hut was built of clay and wattles. The door was low andalways open, for there was no window. The roof did not entirely keep outthe rain and the only thing comfortable was a wide fireplace, for whichthe brothers could never find wood enough to make sufficient fire. There they worked in most brotherly friendship, though with littleencouragement. 

On one unlucky day a new cobbler arrived in the village. He had lived inthe capital city of the kingdom and, by his own account, cobbled for thequeen and the princesses. His awls were sharp, his lasts were new; heset up his stall in a neat cottage with two windows. The villagers soonfound out that one patch of his would outwear two of the brothers'. In short, all the mending left Scrub and Spare, and went to the newcobbler. 

The season had been wet and cold, their barley did not ripen well, andthe cabbages never half-closed in the garden. So the brothers were poorthat winter, and when Christmas came they had nothing to feast on buta barley loaf and a piece of rusty bacon. Worse than that, the snow wasvery deep and they could get no firewood. 

Their hut stood at the end of the village; beyond it spread the bleakmoor, now all white and silent. But that moor had once been a forest;great roots of old trees were still to be found in it, loosened fromthe soil and laid bare by the winds and rains. One of these, a rough, gnarled log, lay hard by their door, the half of it above the snow, andSpare said to his brother:--

"Shall we sit here cold on Christmas while the great root lies yonder?Let us chop it up for firewood, the work will make us warm. "

"No, " said Scrub, "it's not right to chop wood on Christmas; besides, that root is too hard to be broken with any hatchet. "

"Hard or not, we must have a fire, " replied Spare. "Come, brother, helpme in with it. Poor as we are there is nobody in the village will havesuch a yule log as ours. "

Scrub liked a little grandeur, and, in hopes of having a fine yule log, both brothers strained and strove with all their might till, betweenpulling and pushing, the great old root was safe on the hearth, andbeginning to crackle and blaze with the red embers. 

In high glee the cobblers sat down to their bread and bacon. The doorwas shut, for there was nothing but cold moonlight and snow outside;but the hut, strewn with fir boughs and ornamented with holly, lookedcheerful as the ruddy blaze flared up and rejoiced their hearts. 

Then suddenly from out the blazing root they heard: "Cuckoo! cuckoo!"as plain as ever the spring-bird's voice came over the moor on a Maymorning. 

"What is that?" said Scrub, terribly frightened; "it is something bad!"

"Maybe not, " said Spare. 

And out of the deep hole at the side of the root, which the fire had notreached, flew a large, gray cuckoo, and lit on the table before them. Much as the cobblers had been surprised, they were still more so when itsaid:--

"Good gentlemen, what season is this?"

"It's Christmas, " said Spare. 

"Then a merry Christmas to you!" said the cuckoo. "I went to sleep inthe hollow of that old root one evening last summer, and never woke tillthe heat of your fire made me think it was summer again. But now sinceyou have burned my lodging, let me stay in your hut till the springcomes round, --I only want a hole to sleep in, and when I go on mytravels next summer be assured I will bring you some present for yourtrouble. "

"Stay and welcome, " said Spare, while Scrub sat wondering if it weresomething bad or not. 

"I'll make you a good warm hole in the thatch, " said Spare. "But youmust be hungry after that long sleep, --here is a slice of barley bread. Come help us to keep Christmas!"

The cuckoo ate up the slice, drank water from a brown jug, and flew intoa snug hole which Spare scooped for it in the thatch of the hut. 

Scrub said he was afraid it wouldn't be lucky; but as it slept on andthe days passed he forgot his fears. 

So the snow melted, the heavy rains came, the cold grew less, the dayslengthened, and one sunny morning the brothers were awakened by thecuckoo shouting its own cry to let them know the spring had come. 

"Now I'm going on my travels, " said the bird, "over the world to tellmen of the spring. There is no country where trees bud, or flowersbloom, that I will not cry in before the year goes round. Give meanother slice of barley bread to help me on my journey, and tell me whatpresent I shall bring you at the twelvemonth's end. "

Scrub would have been angry with his brother for cutting so large aslice, their store of barley being low, but his mind was occupied withwhat present it would be most prudent to ask for. 

"There are two trees hard by the well that lies at the world's end, "said the cuckoo; "one of them is called the golden tree, for its leavesare all of beaten gold. Every winter they fall into the well with asound like scattered coin, and I know not what becomes of them. As forthe other, it is always green like a laurel. Some call it the wise, andsome the merry, tree. Its leaves never fall, but they that get oneof them keep a blithe heart in spite of all misfortunes, and can makethemselves as merry in a hut as in a palace. "

"Good master cuckoo, bring me a leaf off that tree!" cried Spare. 

"Now, brother, don't be a fool!" said Scrub; "think of the leaves ofbeaten gold! Dear master cuckoo, bring me one of them!"

Before another word could be spoken the cuckoo had flown out of the opendoor, and was shouting its spring cry over moor and meadow. 

The brothers were poorer than ever that year. Nobody would send them asingle shoe to mend, and Scrub and Spare would have left the villagebut for their barley-field and their cabbage-garden. They sowed theirbarley, planted their cabbage, and, now that their trade was gone, worked in the rich villagers' fields to make out a scanty living. 

So the seasons came and passed; spring, summer, harvest, and winterfollowed each other as they have done from the beginning. At the end ofthe latter Scrub and Spare had grown so poor and ragged that their oldneighbors forgot to invite them to wedding feasts or merrymakings, and the brothers thought the cuckoo had forgotten them, too, when atdaybreak on the first of April they heard a hard beak knocking at theirdoor, and a voice crying:--

"Cuckoo! cuckoo! Let me in with my presents!"

Spare ran to open the door, and in came the cuckoo, carrying on oneside of its bill a golden leaf larger than that of any tree in the NorthCountry; and in the other side of its bill, one like that of the commonlaurel, only it had a fresher green. 

"Here, " it said, giving the gold to Scrub and the green to Spare, "it isa long carriage from the world's end. Give me a slice of barley bread, for I must tell the North Country that the spring has come. "

Scrub did not grudge the thickness of that slice, though it was cutfrom their last loaf. So much gold had never been in the cobbler's handsbefore, and he could not help exulting over his brother. 

"See the wisdom of my choice, " he said, holding up the large leaf ofgold. "As for yours, as good might be plucked from any hedge, I wonder asensible bird would carry the like so far. "

"Good master cobbler, " cried the cuckoo, finishing its slice, "your conclusions are more hasty than courteous. If your brother isdisappointed this time, I go on the same journey every year, and foryour hospitable entertainment will think it no trouble to bring each ofyou whichever leaf you desire. "

"Darling cuckoo, " cried Scrub, "bring me a golden one. "

And Spare, looking up from the green leaf on which he gazed as though itwere a crown-jewel, said:--

"Be sure to bring me one from the merry tree. "

And away flew the cuckoo. 

"This is the feast of All Fools, and it ought to be your birthday, " saidScrub. "Did ever man fling away such an opportunity of getting rich?Much good your merry leaves will do in the midst of rags and poverty!"

But Spare laughed at him, and answered with quaint old proverbsconcerning the cares that come with gold, till Scrub, at length gettingangry, vowed his brother was not fit to live with a respectable man; andtaking his lasts, his awls, and his golden leaf, he left the wattle hut, and went to tell the villagers. 

They were astonished at the folly of Spare, and charmed with Scrub'sgood sense, particularly when he showed them the golden leaf, and toldthat the cuckoo would bring him one every spring. 

The new cobbler immediately took him into partnership; the greatestpeople sent him their shoes to mend. Fairfeather, a beautiful villagemaiden, smiled graciously upon him; and in the course of that summerthey were married, with a grand wedding feast, at which the wholevillage danced except Spare, who was not invited, because the bridecould not bear his low-mindedness, and his brother thought him adisgrace to the family. 

As for Scrub he established himself with Fairfeather in a cottage closeby that of the new cobbler, and quite as fine. There he mended shoes toeverybody's satisfaction, had a scarlet coat and a fat goose fordinner on holidays. Fairfeather, too, had a crimson gown, and fine blueribbons; but neither she nor Scrub was content, for to buy this grandeurthe golden leaf had to be broken and parted With piece by piece, so thelast morsel was gone before the cuckoo came with another. 

Spare lived on in the old hut, and worked in the cabbage-garden. (Scrubhad got the barley-field because he was the elder. ) Every day his coatgrew more ragged, and the hut more weather-beaten; but people remarkedthat he never looked sad or sour. And the wonder was that, from the timeany one began to keep his company, he or she grew kinder, happier, andcontent. 

Every first of April the cuckoo came tapping at their doors with thegolden leaf for Scrub, and the green for Spare. Fairfeather would haveentertained it nobly with wheaten bread and honey, for she had somenotion of persuading it to bring two golden leaves instead of one; butthe cuckoo flew away to eat barley bread with Spare, saying it was notfit company for fine people, and liked the old hut where it slept sosnugly from Christmas till spring. 

Scrub spent the golden leaves, and remained always discontented; andSpare kept the merry ones. 

I do not know how many years passed in this manner, when a certain greatlord, who owned that village, came to the neighborhood. His castle stoodon the moor. It was ancient and strong, with high towers and a deepmoat. All the country as far as one could see from the highest turretbelonged to its lord; but he had not been there for twenty years, andwould not have come then only he was melancholy. And there he lived ina very bad temper. The servants said nothing would please him, and thevillagers put on their worst clothes lest he should raise their rents. 

But one day in the harvest-time His Lordship chanced to meet Sparegathering water-cresses at a meadow stream, and fell into talk with thecobbler. How it was nobody could tell, but from that hour the great lordcast away his melancholy. He forgot all his woes, and went about with anoble train, hunting, fishing, and making merry in his hall, where alltravelers were entertained, and all the poor were welcome. 

This strange story spread through the North Country, and great companycame to the cobbler's hut, --rich men who had lost their money, poor menwho had lost their friends, beauties who had grown old, wits who hadgone out of fashion, --all came to talk with Spare, and, whatever theirtroubles had been, all went home merry. 

The rich gave him presents, the poor gave him thanks. Spare's coatceased to be ragged, he had bacon with his cabbage, and the villagersbegan to think there was some sense in him. 

By this time his fame had reached the capital city, and even the court. There were a great many discontented people there; and the king hadlately fallen into ill humor because a neighboring princess, with sevenislands for her dowry, would not marry his eldest son. 

So a royal messenger was sent to Spare, with a velvet mantle, a diamondring, and a command that he should repair to court immediately. 

"To-morrow is the first of April, " said Spare, "and I will go with youtwo hours after sunrise. "

The messenger lodged all night at the castle, and the cuckoo came atsunrise with the merry leaf. 

"Court is a fine place, " it said, when the cobbler told it he was going, "but I cannot come there; they would lay snares and catch me; so becareful of the leaves I have brought you, and give me a farewell sliceof barley bread. "

Spare was sorry to part with the cuckoo, little as he had of itscompany, but he gave it a slice which would have broken Scrub's heart informer times, it was so thick and large. And having sewed up the leavesin the lining of his leather doublet, he set out with the messenger onhis way to court. 

His coming caused great surprise there. Everybody wondered what the kingcould see in such a common-looking man; but scarcely had His Majestyconversed with him half an hour, when the princess and her seven islandswere forgotten and orders given that a feast for all comers should bespread in the banquet hall. 

The princes of the blood, the great lords and ladies, the ministers ofstate, after that discoursed with Spare, and the more they talked thelighter grew their hearts, so that such changes had never been seen atcourt. 

The lords forgot their spites and the ladies their envies, the princesand ministers made friends among themselves, and the judges showed nofavor. 

As for Spare, he had a chamber assigned him in the palace, and a seatat the king's table. One sent him rich robes, and another costly jewels;but in the midst of all his grandeur he still wore the leathern doublet, and continued to live at the king's court, happy and honored, and makingall others merry and content. 

THE CHRISTMAS FAIRY OF STRASBURG

A GERMAN FOLK-TALE

BY J. STIRLING COYNE (ADAPTED)

Once, long ago, there lived near the ancient city of Strasburg, on theriver Rhine, a young and handsome count, whose name was Otto. As theyears flew by he remained unwed, and never so much as cast a glance atthe fair maidens of the country round; for this reason people began tocall him "Stone-Heart. "

It chanced that Count Otto, on one Christmas Eve, ordered that a greathunt should take place in the forest surrounding his castle. He and hisguests and his many retainers rode forth, and the chase became moreand more exciting. It led through thickets, and over pathless tractsof forest, until at length Count Otto found himself separated from hiscompanions. 

He rode on by himself until he came to a spring of clear, bubblingwater, known to the people around as the "Fairy Well. " Here Count Ottodismounted. He bent over the spring and began to lave his hands in thesparkling tide, but to his wonder he found that though the weather wascold and frosty, the water was warm and delightfully caressing. Hefelt a glow of joy pass through his veins, and, as he plunged his handsdeeper, he fancied that his right hand was grasped by another, softand small, which gently slipped from his finger the gold ring he alwayswore. And, lo! when he drew out his hand, the gold ring was gone. 

Full of wonder at this mysterious event, the count mounted his horse andreturned to his castle, resolving in his mind that the very next day hewould have the Fairy Well emptied by his servants. 

He retired to his room, and, throwing himself just as he was upon hiscouch, tried to sleep; but the strangeness of the adventure kept himrestless and wakeful. 

Suddenly he heard the hoarse baying of the watch-hounds in thecourtyard, and then the creaking of the drawbridge, as though it werebeing lowered. Then came to his ear the patter of many small feet onthe stone staircase, and next he heard indistinctly the sound of lightfootsteps in the chamber adjoining his own. 

Count Otto sprang from his couch, and as he did so there sounded astrain of delicious music, and the door of his chamber was flung open. Hurrying into the next room, he found himself in the midst of numberlessFairy beings, clad in gay and sparkling robes. They paid no heed tohim, but began to dance, and laugh, and sing, to the sound of mysteriousmusic. 

In the center of the apartment stood a splendid Christmas Tree, thefirst ever seen in that country. Instead of toys and candles there hungon its lighted boughs diamond stars, pearl necklaces, bracelets ofgold ornamented with colored jewels, aigrettes of rubies and sapphires, silken belts embroidered with Oriental pearls, and daggers mounted ingold and studded with the rarest gems. The whole tree swayed, sparkled, and glittered in the radiance of its many lights. 

Count Otto stood speechless, gazing at all this wonder, when suddenlythe Fairies stopped dancing and fell back, to make room for a lady ofdazzling beauty who came slowly toward him. 

She wore on her raven-black tresses a golden diadem set with jewels. Her hair flowed down upon a robe of rosy satin and creamy velvet. Shestretched out two small, white hands to the count and addressed him insweet, alluring tones:--

"Dear Count Otto, " said she, "I come to return your Christmas visit. Iam Ernestine, the Queen of the Fairies. I bring you something you lostin the Fairy Well. "

And as she spoke she drew from her bosom a golden casket, set withdiamonds, and placed it in his hands. He opened it eagerly and foundwithin his lost gold ring. 

Carried away by the wonder of it all, and overcome by an irresistibleimpulse, the count pressed the Fairy Ernestine to his heart, while she, holding him by the hand, drew him into the magic mazes of the dance. Themysterious music floated through the room, and the rest of that Fairycompany circled and whirled around the Fairy Queen and Count Otto, andthen gradually dissolved into a mist of many colors, leaving the countand his beautiful guest alone. 

Then the young man, forgetting all his former coldness toward themaidens of the country round about, fell on his knees before the Fairyand besought her to become his bride. At last she consented on thecondition that he should never speak the word "death" in her presence. 

The next day the wedding of Count Otto and Ernestine, Queen of theFairies, was celebrated with great pomp and magnificence, and the twocontinued to live happily for many years. 

Now it happened on a time, that the count and his Fairy wife wereto hunt in the forest around the castle. The horses were saddled andbridled, and standing at the door, the company waited, and the countpaced the hall in great impatience; but still the Fairy Ernestinetarried long in her chamber. At length she appeared at the door of thehall, and the count addressed her in anger. 

"You have kept us waiting so long, " he cried, "that you would make agood messenger to send for Death!"

Scarcely had he spoken the forbidden and fatal word, when the Fairy, uttering a wild cry, vanished from his sight. In vain Count Otto, overwhelmed with grief and remorse, searched the castle and the FairyWell, no trace could he find of his beautiful, lost wife but the imprintof her delicate hand set in the stone arch above the castle gate. 

Years passed by, and the Fairy Ernestine did not return. The countcontinued to grieve. Every Christmas Eve he set up a lighted tree inthe room where he had first met the Fairy, hoping in vain that she wouldreturn to him. 

Time passed and the count died. The castle fell into ruins. But to thisday may be seen above the massive gate, deeply sunken in the stone arch, the impress of a small and delicate hand. 

And such, say the good folk of Strasburg, was the origin of theChristmas Tree. 

THE THREE PURSES

A LEGEND

BY WILLIAM S. WALSH (ADAPTED)

When Saint Nicholas was Bishop of Myra, there were among his peoplethree beautiful maidens, daughters of a nobleman. Their father was sopoor that he could not afford to give them dowries, and as in that landno maid might marry without a dowry, so these three maidens could notwed the youths who loved them. 

At last the father became so very poor that he no longer had money withwhich to buy food or clothes for his daughters, and he was overcome byshame and sorrow. As for the daughters they wept continually, for theywere both cold and hungry. 

One day Saint Nicholas heard of the sad state of this noble family. Soat night, when the maidens were asleep, and the father was watching, sorrowful and lonely, the good saint took a handful of gold, and, tyingit in a purse, set off for the nobleman's house. Creeping to the openwindow he threw the purse into the chamber, so that it fell on the bedof the sleeping maidens. 

The father picked up the purse, and when he opened it and saw the gold, he rejoiced greatly, and awakened his daughters. He gave most of thegold to his eldest child for a dowry, and thus she was enabled to wedthe young man whom she loved. 

A few days later Saint Nicholas filled another purse with gold, and, as before, went by night to the nobleman's house, and tossed the pursethrough the open window. Thus the second daughter was enabled to marrythe young man whom she loved. 

Now, the nobleman felt very grateful to the unknown one who threw pursesof gold into his room and he longed to know who his benefactor was andto thank him. So the next night he watched beneath the open window. And when all was dark, lo! good Saint Nicholas came for the third time, carrying a silken purse filled with gold, and as he was about to throwit on the youngest maiden's bed, the nobleman caught him by his robe, crying:--

"Ohs good Saint Nicholas! why do you hide yourself thus?"

And he kissed the saint's hands and feet, but Saint Nicholas, overcomewith confusion at having his good deed discovered, begged the noblemanto tell no man what had happened. 

Thus the nobleman's third daughter was enabled to marry the young manwhom she loved; and she and her father and her two sisters lived happilyfor the remainder of their lives. 

THE THUNDER OAK

A SCANDINAVIAN LEGEND

WILLIAM S. WALSH AND OTHER SOURCES

When the heathen raged through the forests of the ancient Northlandthere grew a giant tree branching with huge limbs toward the clouds. Itwas the Thunder Oak of the war-god Thor. 

Thither, under cover of night, heathen priests were wont to bringtheir victims--both men and beasts--and slay them upon the altar of thethunder-god. There in the darkness was wrought many an evil deed, whilehuman blood was poured forth and watered the roots of that gloomy tree, from whose branches depended the mistletoe, the fateful plant thatsprang from the blood-fed veins of the oak. So gloomy and terror-riddenwas the spot on which grew the tree that no beasts of field or forestwould lodge beneath its dark branches, nor would birds nest or perchamong its gnarled limbs. 

Long, long ago, on a white Christmas Eve, Thor's priests held theirwinter rites beneath the Thunder Oak. Through the deep snow of thedense forest hastened throngs of heathen folk, all intent on keepingthe mystic feast of the mighty Thor. In the hush of the night the folkgathered in the glade where stood the tree. Closely they pressed aroundthe great altar-stone under the overhanging boughs where stood thewhite-robed priests. Clearly shone the moonlight on all. 

Then from the altar flashed upward the sacrificial flames, casting theirlurid glow on the straining faces of the human victims awaiting the blowof the priest's knife. 

But the knife never fell, for from the silent avenues of the dark forestcame the good Saint Winfred and his people. Swiftly the saint drew fromhis girdle a shining axe. Fiercely he smote the Thunder Oak, hewing adeep gash in its trunk. And while the heathen folk gazed in horror andwonder, the bright blade of the axe circled faster and faster aroundSaint Winfred's head, and the flakes of wood flew far and wide from thedeepening cut in the body of the tree. 

Suddenly there was heard overhead the sound of a mighty, rushing wind. Awhirling blast struck the tree. It gripped the oak from its foundations. Backward it fell like a tower, groaning as it split into four pieces. 

But just behind it, unharmed by the ruin, stood a young fir tree, pointing its green spire to heaven. 

Saint Winfred dropped his axe, and turned to speak to the people. Joyously his voice rang out through the crisp, winter air:--

"This little tree, a young child of the forest, shall be your holy treeto-night. It is the tree of peace, for your houses are built of fir. Itis the sign of endless life, for its leaves are forever green. See howit points upward to heaven! Let this be called the tree of the ChristChild. Gather about it, not in the wildwood, but in your own homes. There it will shelter no deeds of blood, but loving gifts and rites ofkindness. So shall the peace of the White Christ reign in your hearts!"

And with songs of joy the multitude of heathen folk took up the littlefir tree and bore it to the house of their chief, and there with goodwill and peace they kept the holy Christmastide. 

THE CHRISTMAS THORN OF GLASTONBURY

A LEGEND OF ANCIENT BRITAIN

ADAPTED FROM WILLIAM OF MALMESBURY AND OTHER SOURCES

There is a golden Christmas legend and it relates how Joseph ofArimathea--that good man and just, who laid our Lord in his ownsepulcher, was persecuted by Pontius Pilate, and how he fled fromJerusalem carrying with him the Holy Grail hidden beneath a cloth ofsamite, mystical and white. 

For many moons he wandered, leaning on his staff cut from a white-thornbush. He passed over raging seas and dreary wastes, he wandered throughtrackless forests, climbed rugged mountains, and forded many floods. At last he came to Gaul where the Apostle Philip was preaching the gladtidings to the heathen. And there Joseph abode for a little space. 

Now, upon a night while Joseph lay asleep in his hut, he was wakenedby a radiant light. And as he gazed with wondering eyes he saw an angelstanding by his couch, wrapped in a cloud of incense. 

"Joseph of Arimathea, " said the angel, "cross thou over into Britain andpreach the glad tidings to King Arvigarus. And there, where a Christmasmiracle shall come to pass, do thou build the first Christian church inthat land. "

And while Joseph lay perplexed and wondering in his heart what answer heshould make, the angel vanished from his sight. 

Then Joseph left his hut and calling the Apostle Philip, gave him theangel's message. And, when morning dawned, Philip sent him on his way, accompanied by eleven chosen followers. To the water's side they went, and embarking in a little ship, they came unto the coasts of Britain. 

And they were met there by the heathen who carried them before Arvigarustheir king. To him and to his people did Joseph of Arimathea preach theglad tidings; but the king's heart, though moved, was not convinced. Nevertheless he gave to Joseph and his followers Avalon, the happy isle, the isle of the blessed, and he bade them depart straightway and buildthere an altar to their God. 

And a wonderful gift was this same Avalon, sometimes called the Islandof Apples, and also known to the people of the land as Ynis-witren, theIsle of Glassy Waters. Beautiful and peaceful was it. Deep it lay inthe midst of a green valley, and the balmy breezes fanned its appleorchards, and scattered afar the sweet fragrance of rosy blossoms orripened fruit. Soft grew the green grass beneath the feet. The smoothwaves gently lapped the shore, and water-lilies floated on the surfaceof the tide; while in the blue sky above sailed the fleecy clouds. 

And it was on the holy Christmas Eve that Joseph and his companionsreached the Isle of Avalon. With them they carried the Holy Grail hiddenbeneath its cloth of snow-white samite. Heavily they toiled up thesteep ascent of the hill called Weary-All. And when they reached the topJoseph thrust his thorn-staff into the ground. 

And, lo! a miracle! the thorn-staff put forth roots, sprouted andbudded, and burst into a mass of white and fragrant flowers! And on thespot where the thorn had bloomed, there Joseph built the first Christianchurch in Britain. And he made it "wattled all round" of osiers gatheredfrom the water's edge. And in the chapel they placed the Holy Grail. 

And so, it is said, ever since at Glastonbury Abbey--the name by whichthat Avalon is known to-day--on Christmas Eve the white thorn buds andblooms. 

THE THREE KINGS OF COLOGNE

A LEGEND OF THE MIDDLE AGES

BY JOHN OF HILDESHEIM-MODERNIZED BY H. S. MORRIS (ADAPTED)

THE STAR

Now, when the Children of Israel were gone out of Egypt, and had won andmade subject to them Jerusalem and all the land lying about, there wasin the Kingdom of Ind a tall hill called the Hill of Vaws, or the Hillof Victory. On this hill were stationed sentinels of Ind, who watchedday and night against the Children of Israel, and afterward against theRomans. 

And if an enemy approached, the keepers of the Hill of Vaws made a greatfire to warn the inhabitants of the land so that the men might makeready to defend themselves. 

Now in the time when Balaam prophesied of the Star that should betokenthe birth of Christ, all the great lords and the people of Ind and inthe East desired greatly to see this Star of which he spake; and theygave gifts to the keepers of the Hill of Vaws, and bade them, if theysaw by night or by day any star in the air, that had not been seenaforetime, that they, the keepers, should send anon word to the peopleof Ind. 

And thus was it that for so long a time the fame of this Star was bornethroughout the lands of the East. And the more the Star was sought for, and the more its fame increased, so much the more all the people of theLand of Ind desired to see it. So they ordained twelve of the wisestand greatest of the clerks of astronomy, that were in all that countryabout, and gave them great hire to keep watch upon the Hill of Vaws forthe Star that was prophesied of Balaam. 

Now, when Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea, His Star began to risein the manner of a sun, bright shining. It ascended above the Hillof Vaws, and all that day in the highest air it abode without moving, insomuch that when the sun was hot and most high there was no differencein shining betwixt them. 

But when the day of the nativity was passed the Star ascended up intothe firmament, and it had right many long streaks and beams, moreburning and brighter than a brand of fire; and, as an eagle flying andbeating the air with his wings, right so the streaks and beams of theStar stirred about. 

Then all the people, both man and woman, of all that country about whenthey saw this marvelous Star, were full of wonder thereat; yet they knewwell that it was the Star that was prophesied of Balaam, and long timewas desired of all the people in that country. 

Now, when the three worshipful kings, who at that time reigned in Ind, Chaldea, and Persia, were informed by the astronomers of this Star, theywere right glad that they had grace to see the Star in their days. 

Wherefore these three worshipful kings, Melchior, Balthazar, and Jasper(in the same hour the Star appeared to all three), though each of themwas far from the other, and none knew of the others' purpose, decidedto go and seek and worship the Lord and King of the Jews, that was newborn, as the appearance of the Star announced. 

So each king prepared great and rich gifts, and trains of mules, camels, and horses charged with treasure, and together with a great multitude ofpeople they set forth on their journeys. 

THE CHILD

Now, when these three worshipful kings were passed forth out of theirkingdoms, the Star went before each king and his people. When theystood still and rested, the Star stood still; and when they went forwardagain, the Star always went before them in virtue and strength and gavelight all the way. 

And, as it is written, in the time that Christ was born, there was peacein all the world, wherefore in all the cities and towns through whichthey went there was no gate shut neither by night nor by day; and allthe people of those same cities and towns marveled wonderfully as theysaw kings and vast multitudes go by in great haste; but they knew notwhat they were, nor whence they came, nor whither they should go. 

Furthermore these three kings rode forth over hills, waters, valleys, plains, and other divers and perilous places without hindrance, for allthe way seemed to them plain and even. And they never took shelter bynight nor by day, nor ever rested, nor did their horses and other beastsever eat or drink till they had come to Bethlehem. And all this time itdid seem to them as one day. 

But when the three blessed kings had come near to Jerusalem, then agreat cloud of darkness hid the Star from their sight. And when Melchiorand his people were come fast by the city, they abode in fog anddarkness. Then came Balthazar, and he abode under the same cloud nearunto Melchior. Thereupon appeared Jasper with all his host. 

So these three glorious kings, each with his host and burdens andbeasts, met together in the highway without the city of Jerusalem. And, notwithstanding that none of them ever before had seen the other, norknew him, nor had heard of his coming, yet at their meeting each onewith great reverence and joy kissed the other. So afterward, when theyhad spoken together and each had told his purpose and the cause of hisjourney, they were much more glad and fervent. So they rode forth, andat the uprising of the sun, they came into Jerusalem. And yet the Starappeared not. 

So then these three worshipful kings, when they were come into the city, asked of the people concerning the Child that was born; and when Herodheard this he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him, and he privatelysummoned to him these three kings and learned of them the time whenthe Star appeared. He then sent them forth, bidding them find the youngChild and return to him. 

Now when these three kings were passed out of Jerusalem the Starappeared to them again as it did erst, and went before them till theywere come to Bethlehem. 

Now, the nearer the kings came to the place where Christ was born, thebrighter shined the Star, and they entered Bethlehem the sixth hourof the day. And they rode through the streets till they came before alittle house. There the Star stood still, and then descended and shonewith so great a light that the little house was full of radiance; tillanon the Star went upward again into the air, and stood still alwaysabove the same place. 

And the three kings went into the little house and found the Child withhis mother, and they fell down and worshiped him, and offered him gifts. 

And you shall understand that these three kings had brought great giftsfrom their own lands, rich ornaments and divers golden vessels, and manyjewels and precious stones, and both gold and silver, --these they hadbrought to offer to the King of the Jews. But when they found the Lordin a little-house, in poor clothes, and when they saw that the Star gaveso great and holy a light in all the place that it seemed as though theystood in a furnace of fire, then were they so sore afraid, that of allthe rich jewels and ornaments they had brought with them, they chosefrom their treasures what came first to their hands. For Melchior tooka round apple of gold in his hand, and thirty gilt pennies, and these heoffered unto our Lord; and Balthazar took out of his treasury incense;and Jasper took out myrrh, and that he offered with weeping and tears. 

And now after these three kings had worshiped the Lord, they abode inBethlehem for a little space, and as they abode, there came a commandto them, in their sleep, that they should not return to Herod; and so byanother way they went home to their kingdoms. But the Star that had gonebefore appeared no more. 

So these three kings, who had suddenly met together in the highwaybefore Jerusalem, went home together with great joy and honor. And when, after many days' journey over perilous places, they had come to the Hillof Vaws, they made there a fair chapel in worship of the Child they hadsought. Also they agreed to meet together at the same place once in theyear, and they ordained that the Hill of Vaws should be the place oftheir burial. 

So when the three worshipful kings had done what they would, they tookleave of each other, and each one with his people rode to his own landrejoicing. 

HOW THEY CAME TO COLOGNE

Now, after many years, a little before the feast of Christmas, thereappeared a wonderful Star above the cities where these three kingsdwelt, and they knew thereby that their time was come when they shouldpass from earth. Then with one consent they built, at the Hill ofVaws, a fair and large tomb, and there the three Holy Kings, Melchior, Balthazar, and Jasper died, and were buried in the same tomb by theirsorrowing people. 

Now after much time had passed away, Queen Helen, the mother of theEmperor Constantine, began to think greatly of the bodies of these threekings, and she arrayed herself, and, accompanied by many attendants, went into the Land of Ind. 

And you shall understand that after she had found the bodies ofMelchior, Balthazar, and Jasper, Queen Helen put them into one chestand ornamented it with great riches, and she brought them intoConstantinople, with joy and reverence, and laid them in a church thatis called Saint Sophia; and this church the Emperor Constantine didmake, --he alone, with a little child, set up all the marble pillarsthereof. 

Now, after the death of the Emperor Constantine a persecution againstthe Christian faith arose, and in this persecution the bodies ofthe three worshipful kings were set at naught. Then came the EmperorMauricius of Rome, and, through his counsel, the bodies of these threekings were carried to Italy, and there they were laid in a fair churchin the city of Milan. 

Then afterward, in the process of time, the city of Milan rebelledagainst the Emperor Frederick the First, and he, being sore beset, sentto Rainald, Archbishop of Cologne, asking for help. 

This Archbishop with his army did take the city of Milan, and deliveredit to the Emperor. And for this service did the Emperor grant, at theArchbishop's great entreaty, that he should carry forth to Cologne thebodies of the three blessed kings. 

Then the Archbishop, with great solemnity and in procession, did carryforth from the city of Milan the bodies of the three kings, and broughtthem unto Cologne and there placed them in the fair church of SaintPeter. And all the people of the country roundabout, with all thereverence they might, received these relics, and there in the city ofCologne they are kept and beholden of all manner of nations unto thisday. 

Thus endeth the legend of these three blessed kings, --Melchior, Balthazar, and Jasper. 

ARBOR DAY

THE LITTLE TREE THAT LONGED FOR OTHER LEAVES

BY FRIEDRICH RUCHERT (TRANSLATED)

There was a little tree that stood in the woods through both good andstormy weather, and it was covered from top to bottom with needlesinstead of leaves. The needles were sharp and prickly, so the littletree said to itself:--

"All my tree comrades have beautiful green leaves, and I have only sharpneedles. No one will touch me. If I could have a wish I would ask forleaves of pure gold. "

When night came the little tree fell asleep, and, lo! in the morning itwoke early and found itself covered with glistening, golden leaves. 

"Ah, ah!" said the little tree, "how grand I am! No other tree in thewoods is dressed in gold. "

But at evening time there came a peddler with a great sack and a longbeard. He saw the glitter of the golden leaves. He picked them all andhurried away leaving the little tree cold and bare. 

"Alas! alas!" cried the little tree in sorrow; "all my golden leavesare gone! I am ashamed to stand among the other trees that have suchbeautiful foliage. If I only had another wish I would ask for leaves ofglass. "

Then the little tree fell asleep, and when it woke early, it founditself covered with bright and shining leaves of glass. 

"Now, " said the little tree, "I am happy. No tree in the woods glistenslike me. "

But there came a fierce storm-wind driving through the woods. It struckthe glass, and in a moment all the shining leaves lay shattered on theground. 

"My leaves, my glass leaves!" moaned the little tree; "they lie brokenin the dust, while all the other trees are still dressed in theirbeautiful foliage. Oh! if I had another wish I would ask for greenleaves. "

Then the little tree slept again, and in the morning it was covered withfresh, green foliage. And it laughed merrily, and said: "Now, I need notbe ashamed any more. I am like my comrades of the woods. "

But along came a mother-goat, looking for grass and herbs for herselfand her young ones. She saw the crisp, new leaves; and she nibbled, andnibbled, and nibbled them all away, and she ate up both stems and tendershoots, till the little tree stood bare. 

"Alas!" cried the little tree in anguish, "I want no more leaves, neither gold ones nor glass ones, nor green and red and yellow ones! IfI could only have my needles once more, I would never complain again. "

And sorrowfully the little tree fell asleep, but when it saw itself inthe morning sunshine, it laughed and laughed and laughed. And all theother trees laughed, too, but the little tree did not care. Why did theylaugh? Because in the night all its needles had come again! You may seethis for yourself. Just go into the woods and look, but do not touch thelittle tree. Why not? BECAUSE IT PRICKS. 

WHY THE EVERGREEN TREES NEVER LOSE THEIR LEAVES

BY FLORENCE HOLBROOK

Winter was coming, and the birds had flown far to the south, where theair was warm and they could find berries to eat. One little bird hadbroken its wing and could not fly with the others. It was alone in thecold world of frost and snow. The forest looked warm, and it made itsway to the trees as well as it could, to ask for help. 

First it came to a birch tree. "Beautiful birch tree, " it said, "mywing is broken, and my friends have flown away. May I live among yourbranches till they come back to me?"

"No, indeed, " answered the birch tree, drawing her fair green leavesaway. "We of the great forest have our own birds to help. I can donothing for you. "

"The birch is not very strong, " said the little bird to itself, "and itmight be that she could not hold me easily. I will ask the oak. " So thebird said: "Great oak tree, you are so strong, will you not let me liveon your boughs till my friends come back in the springtime?"

"In the springtime!" cried the oak. "That is a long way off. How do Iknow what you might do in all that time? Birds are always looking forsomething to eat, and you might even eat up some of my acorns. "

"It may be that the willow will be kind to me, " thought the bird, andit said: "Gentle willow, my wing is broken, and I could not fly tothe south with the other birds. May I live on your branches till thespringtime?"

The willow did not look gentle then, for she drew herself up proudly andsaid: "Indeed, I do not know you, and we willows never talk to peoplewhom we do not know. Very likely there are trees somewhere that willtake in strange birds. Leave me at once. "

The poor little bird did not know what to do. Its wing was not yetstrong, but it began to fly away as well as it could. Before it had gonefar a voice was heard. "Little bird, " it said, "where are you going?"

"Indeed, I do not know, " answered the bird sadly. "I am very cold. "

"Come right here, then, " said the friendly spruce tree, for it was hervoice that had called. 

"You shall live on my warmest branch all winter if you choose. "

"Will you really let me?" asked the little bird eagerly. 

"Indeed, I will, " answered the kind-hearted spruce tree. "If yourfriends have flown away, it is time for the trees to help you. Here isthe branch where my leaves are thickest and softest. "

"My branches are not very thick, " said the friendly pine tree, "but I ambig and strong, and I can keep the North Wind from you and the spruce. "

"I can help, too, " said a little juniper tree. "I can give you berriesall winter long, and every bird knows that juniper berries are good. "

So the spruce gave the lonely little bird a home; the pine kept the coldNorth Wind away from it; and the juniper gave it berries to eat. Theother trees looked on and talked together wisely. 

"I would not have strange birds on my boughs, " said the birch. 

"I shall not give my acorns away for any one, " said the oak. 

"I never have anything to do with strangers, " said the willow, and thethree trees drew their leaves closely about them. 

In the morning all those shining, green leaves lay on the ground, fora cold North Wind had come in the night, and every leaf that it touchedfell from the tree. 

"May I touch every leaf in the forest?" asked the wind in its frolic. 

"No, " said the Frost King. "The trees that have been kind to the littlebird with the broken wing may keep their leaves. "

This is why the leaves of the spruce, the pine, and the juniper arealways green. 

WHY THE ASPEN QUIVERS

OLD LEGEND

Long, long ago, so the legend says, when Joseph and Mary and the HolyBabe fled out of Bethlehem into Egypt, they passed through thegreen wildwood. And flowers and trees and plants bent their heads inreverence. 

But the proud aspen held its head high and refused even to look at theHoly Babe. In vain the birds sang in the aspen's branches, entreating itto gaze for one moment at the wonderful One; the proud tree still heldits head erect in scorn. 

Then outspake Mary, his mother. "O aspen tree, " she said, "why do younot gaze on the Holy Child? Why do you not bow your head? A star aroseat his birth, angels sang his first lullaby, kings and shepherds came tothe brightness of his rising; why, then, O aspen, do you refuse to honoryour Lord and mine?"

But the aspen could not answer. A strange shivering passed through itsstem and along its boughs, which set its leaves a-quivering. It trembledbefore the Holy Babe. 

And so from age to age, even unto this day, the proud aspen shakes andshivers. 

THE WONDER TREE

BY FRIEDRICH ADOLPH KRUMMACHER (ADAPTED)

One day in the springtime, Prince Solomon was sitting under the palmtrees in the royal gardens, when he saw the Prophet Nathan walking near. 

"Nathan, " said the Prince, "I would see a wonder. "

The Prophet smiled. "I had the same desire in the days of my youth, " hereplied. 

"And was it fulfilled?" asked Solomon. 

"A Man of God came to me, " said Nathan, "having a pomegranate seed inhis hand. 'Behold, ' he said, 'what will become of this. ' Then he made ahole in the ground, and planted the seed, and covered it over. When hewithdrew his hand the clods of earth opened, and I saw two small leavescoming forth. But scarcely had I beheld them, when they joined togetherand became a small stem wrapped in bark; and the stem grew before myeyes, --and it grew thicker and higher and became covered with branches. 

"I marveled, but the Man of God motioned me to be silent. 'Behold, ' saidhe, 'new creations begin. '

"Then he took water in the palm of his hand, and sprinkled the branchesthree times, and, lo! the branches were covered with green leaves, sothat a cool shade spread above us, and the air was fined with perfume. 

"'From whence come this perfume and this shade?' cried I. 

"'Dost thou not see, ' he answered, 'these crimson flowers bursting fromamong the leaves, and hanging in clusters?'

"I was about to speak, but a gentle breeze moved the leaves, scatteringthe petals of the flowers around us. Scarcely had the falling flowersreached the ground when I saw ruddy pomegranates hanging beneath theleaves of the tree, like almonds on Aaron's rod. Then the Man of Godleft me, and I was lost in amazement. "

"Where is he, this Man of God?" asked Prince Solomon eagerly. "What ishis name? Is he still alive?"

"Son of David, " answered Nathan, "I have spoken to thee of a vision. "

When the Prince heard this he was grieved to the heart. "How couldstthou deceive me thus?" he asked. 

But the Prophet replied: "Behold in thy father's gardens thou mayestdaily see the unfolding of wonder trees. Doth not this same miraclehappen to the fig, the date, and the pomegranate? They spring from theearth, they put out branches and leaves, they flower, they fruit, --notin a moment, perhaps, but in months and years, --but canst thou tell thedifference betwixt a minute, a month, or a year in the eyes of Him withwhom one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day?"

THE PROUD OAK TREE

OLD FABLE [11]

[Footnote 11: From Deutsches Drittes Lesebuch, by W. H. Weick and C. Grebner. Copyright, 1886, by Van Antwerp, Bragg & Co. American BookCompany, publishers. ]

(TRANSLATED)

The oak said to the reed that grew by the river: "It is no wonder thatyou make such a sorrowful moaning, for you are so weak that the littlewren is a burden for you, and the lightest breeze must seem like astorm-wind. Now look at me! No storm has ever been able to bow myhead. You will be much safer if you grow close to my side so that I mayshelter you from the wind that is now playing with my leaves. "

"Do not worry about me, " said the reed; "I have less reason to fear thewind than you have. I bow myself, but I never break. He who laughs last, laughs best!"

That night there came a fearful hurricane. The oak stood erect. Thereed bowed itself before the blast. The wind grew more furious, and, uprooting the proud oak, flung it on the ground. 

When the morning came there stood the slender reed, glittering withdewdrops, and softly swaying in the breeze. 

BAUCIS AND PHILEMON

ADAPTED FROM H. P. MASKEL'S RENDERING OF THE GREEK MYTH

On the slopes of the Phrygian hills, there once dwelt a pious old couplenamed Baucis and Philemon. They had lived all their lives in a tinycottage of wattles, thatched with straw, cheerful and content in spiteof their poverty. 

As this worthy couple sat dozing by the fireside one evening in the lateautumn, two strangers came and begged a shelter for the night. They hadto stoop to enter the humble doorway, where the old man welcomed themheartily and bade them rest their weary limbs on the settle before thefire. 

Meanwhile Baucis stirred the embers, blowing them into a flame with dryleaves, and heaped on the fagots to boil the stew-pot. Hanging from theblackened beams was a rusty side of bacon. Philemon cut off a rasherto roast, and, while his guests refreshed themselves with a wash at therustic trough, he gathered pot-herbs from his patch of garden. Then theold woman, her hands trembling with age, laid the cloth and spread thetable. 

It was a frugal meal, but one that hungry wayfarers could well relish. The first course was an omelette of curdled milk and eggs, garnishedwith radishes and served on rude oaken platters. The cups of turnedbeechwood were filled with homemade wine from an earthen jug. The secondcourse consisted of dried figs and dates, plums, sweet-smelling apples, and grapes, with a piece of clear, white honeycomb. What made themeal more grateful to the guests was the hearty spirit in which it wasoffered. Their hosts gave all they had without stint or grudging. 

But all at once something happened which startled and amazed Baucis andPhilemon. They poured out wine for their guests, and, lo! each time thepitcher filled itself again to the brim. 

The old couple then knew that their guests were not mere mortals;indeed, they were no other than Jupiter and Mercury come down toearth in the disguise of poor travelers. Being ashamed of their humbleentertainment, Philemon hurried out and gave chase to his only goose, intending to kill and roast it. But his guests forbade him, saying:--

"In mortal shape we have come down, and at a hundred houses askedfor lodging and rest. For answer a hundred doors were shut and lockedagainst us. You alone, the poorest of all, have received us gladly andgiven us of your best. Now it is for us to punish these impious peoplewho treat strangers so churlishly, but you two shall be spared. Onlyleave your cottage and follow us to yonder mountain-top. "

So saying, Jupiter and Mercury led the way, and the two old folkshobbled after them. Presently they reached the top of the mountain, andBaucis and Philemon saw all the country round, with villages and people, sinking into a marsh; while their own cottage alone was left standing. 

And while they gazed, their cottage was changed into a white temple. Thedoorway became a porch with marble columns. The thatch grew into a roofof golden tiles. The little garden about their home became a park. 

Then Jupiter, regarding Baucis and Philemon with kindly eyes, said:"Tell me, O good old man and you good wife, what may we do in return foryour hospitality?"

Philemon whispered for a moment with Baucis, and she nodded herapproval. "We desire, " he replied, "to be your servants, and to have thecare of this temple. One other favor we would ask. From boyhood I haveloved only Baucis, and she has lived only for me. Let the selfsame hourtake us both away together. Let me never see the tomb of my wife, norlet her suffer the misery of mourning my death. "

Jupiter and Mercury, pleased with these requests, willingly grantedboth, and endowed Baucis and Philemon with youth and strength as well. The gods then vanished from their sight, but as long as their liveslasted Baucis and Philemon were the guardians of the white temple thatonce had been their home. 

And when again old age overtook them, they were standing one dayin front of the sacred porch, and Baucis, turning her gaze upon herhusband, saw him slowly changing into a gnarled oak tree. And Philemon, as he felt himself rooted to the ground, saw Baucis at the same timeturning into a leafy linden. 

And as their faces disappeared behind the green foliage, each criedunto the other, "Farewell, dearest love!" and again, "Dearest love, farewell!" And their human forms were changed to trees and branches. 

And still, if you visit the spot, you may see an oak and a linden treewith branches intertwined. 

THE UNFRUITFUL TREE

BY FRIEDRICH ADOLPH KRUMMACHER

A farmer had a brother in town who was a gardener, and who possessed amagnificent orchard full of the finest fruit trees, so that his skilland his beautiful trees were famous everywhere. 

One day the farmer went into town to visit his brother, and wasastonished at the rows of trees that grew slender and smooth as waxtapers. 

"Look, my brother, " said the gardener; "I will give you an apple tree, the best from my garden, and you, and your children, and your children'schildren shall enjoy it. "

Then the gardener called his workmen and ordered them to take up thetree and carry it to his brother's farm. They did so, and the nextmorning the farmer began to wonder where he should plant it. 

"If I plant it on the hill, " said he to himself, "the wind might catchit and shake down the delicious fruit before it is ripe; if I plant itclose to the road, passers-by will see it and rob me of its lusciousapples; but if I plant it too near the door of my house, my servants orthe children may pick the fruit. "

So, after he had thought the matter over, he planted the tree behind hisbarn, saying to himself: "Prying thieves will not think to look for ithere. "

But behold, the tree bore neither fruit nor blossoms the first yearnor the second; then the farmer sent for his brother the gardener, andreproached him angrily, saying:--

"You have deceived me, and given me a barren tree instead of a fruitfulone. For, behold, this is the third year and still it brings forthnothing but leaves!"

The gardener, when he saw where the tree was planted, laughed andsaid:--

"You have planted the tree where it is exposed to cold winds, and hasneither sun nor warmth. How, then, could you expect flowers and fruit?You have planted the tree with a greedy and suspicious heart; how, then, could you expect to reap a rich and generous harvest?"

THE DRYAD OF THE OLD OAK

BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL (ADAPTED)

In olden times there was a youth named Rhoecus. One day as he wanderedthrough the wood he saw an ancient oak tree, trembling and about tofall. Full of pity for so fair a tree, Rhoecus carefully propped up itstrunk, and as he did so he heard a soft voice murmur:--

"Rhoecus!"

It sounded like the gentle sighing of the wind through the leaves; andwhile Rhoecus paused bewildered to listen, again he heard the murmurlike a soft breeze:--

"Rhoecus!"

And there stood before him, in the green glooms of the shadowy oak, awonderful maiden. 

"Rhoecus, " said she, in low-toned words, serene and full, and as clearas drops of dew, "I am the Dryad of this tree, and with it I am doomedto live and die. Thou hadst compassion on my oak, and in saving it thouhast saved my life. Now, ask me what thou wilt that I can give, and itshall be thine. "

"Beauteous nymph, " answered Rhoecus, with a flutter at the heart, "surely nothing will satisfy the craving of my soul save to be with theeforever. Give to me thy love!"

"I give it, Rhoecus, " answered she with sadness in her voice, "though itbe a perilous gift. An hour before sunset meet me here. "

And straightway she vanished, and Rhoecus could see nothing but thegreen glooms beneath the shadowy oak. Not a sound came to his strainingears but the low, trickling rustle of the leaves, and, from far away onthe emerald slope, the sweet sound of an idle shepherd's pipe. 

Filled with wonder and joy Rhoecus turned his steps homeward. The earthseemed to spring beneath him as he walked. The clear, broad sky lookedbluer than its wont, and so full of joy was he that he could scarcebelieve that he had not wings. 

Impatient for the trysting-time, he sought some companions, and to whileaway the tedious hours, he played at dice, and soon forgot all else. 

The dice were rattling their merriest, and Rhoecus had just laughed intriumph at a happy throw, when through the open window of the roomthere hummed a yellow bee. It buzzed about his ears, and seemed readyto alight upon his head. At this Rhoecus laughed, and with a rough, impatient hand he brushed it off and cried:--

"The silly insect! does it take me for a rose?"

But still the bee came back. Three times it buzzed about his head, andthree times he rudely beat it back. Then straight through the windowflew the wounded bee, while Rhoecus watched its fight with angry eyes. 

And as he looked--O sorrow!--the red disk of the setting sun descendedbehind the sharp mountain peak of Thessaly. 

Then instantly the blood sank from his heart, as if its very walls hadcaved in, for he remembered the trysting-hour-now gone by! Without aword he turned and rushed forth madly through the city and the gate, over the fields into the wood. 

Spent of breath he reached the tree, and, listening fearfully, he heardonce more the low voice murmur:--

"Rhoecus!"

But as he looked he could see nothing but the deepening glooms beneaththe oak. 

Then the voice sighed: "O Rhoecus, nevermore shalt thou behold me by dayor night! Why didst thou fail to come ere sunset? Why didst thou scornmy humble messenger, and send it back to me with bruised wings? Wespirits only show ourselves to gentle eyes! And he who scorns thesmallest thing alive is forever shut away from all that is beautiful inwoods and fields. Farewell! for thou canst see me no more!"

Then Rhoecus beat his breast and groaned aloud. "Be pitiful, " he cried. "Forgive me yet this once!"

"Alas, " the voice replied, "I am not unmerciful! I can forgive! But Ihave no skill to heal thy spirit's eyes, nor can I change the temper ofthy heart. " And then again she murmured, "Nevermore!"

And after that Rhoecus heard no other sound, save the rustling of theoak's crisp leaves, like surf upon a distant shore. 

DAPHNE

BY OVID (ADAPTED)

In ancient times, when Apollo, the god of the shining sun, roamed theearth, he met Cupid, who with bended bow and drawn string was seekinghuman beings to wound with the arrows of love. 

"Silly boy, " said Apollo, "what dost thou with the warlike bow? Suchburden best befits my shoulders, for did I not slay the fierce serpent, the Python, whose baleful breath destroyed all that came nigh him?Warlike arms are for the mighty, not for boys like thee! Do thou carry atorch with which to kindle love in human hearts, but no longer lay claimto my weapon, the bow!"

But Cupid replied in anger: "Let thy bow shoot what it will, Apollo, butmy bow shall shoot THEE!" And the god of love rose up, and beating theair with his wings, he drew two magic arrows from his quiver. One wasof shining gold and with its barbed point could Cupid inflict wounds oflove; the other arrow was of dull silver and its wound had the power toengender hate. 

The silver arrow Cupid fixed in the breast of Daphne, the daughter ofthe river-god Peneus; and forthwith she fled away from the homes of men, and hunted beasts in the forest. 

With the golden arrow Cupid grievously wounded Apollo, who fleeing tothe woods saw there the Nymph Daphne pursuing the deer; and straightwaythe sun-god fell in love with her beauty. Her golden locks hung downupon her neck, her eyes were like stars, her form was slender andgraceful and clothed in clinging white. Swifter than the light wind sheflew, and Apollo followed after. 

"O Nymph! daughter of Peneus, " he cried, "stay, I entreat thee! Why dostthou fly as a lamb from the wolf, as a deer from the lion, or as a dovewith trembling wings Bees from the eagle! I am no common man! I am noshepherd! Thou knowest not, rash maid, from whom thou art flying! Thepriests of Delphi and Tenedos pay their service to me. Jupiter is mysire. Mine own arrow is unerring, but Cupid's aim is truer, for he hasmade this wound in my heart! Alas! wretched me! though I am that greatone who discovered the art of healing, yet this love may not be healedby my herbs nor my skill!"

But Daphne stopped not at these words, she flew from him with timidstep. The winds fluttered her garments, the light breezes spread herflowing locks behind her. Swiftly Apollo drew near even as the keengreyhound draws near to the frightened hare he is pursuing. Withtrembling limbs Daphne sought the river, the home of her father, Peneus. Close behind her was Apollo, the sun-god. She felt his breath on herhair and his hand on her shoulder. Her strength was spent, she grewpale, and in faint accents she implored the river:--

"O save me, my father, save me from Apollo, the sun-god!"

Scarcely had she thus spoken before a heaviness seized her limbs. Herbreast was covered with bark, her hair grew into green leaves, and herarms into branches. Her feet, a moment before so swift, became rooted tothe ground. And Daphne was no longer a Nymph, but a green laurel tree. 

When Apollo beheld this change he cried out and embraced the tree, andkissed its leaves. 

"Beautiful Daphne, " he said, "since thou cannot be my bride, yet shaltthou be my tree. Henceforth my hair, my lyre, and my quiver shall beadorned with laurel. Thy wreaths shall be given to conquering chiefs, to winners of fame and joy; and as my head has never been shorn of itslocks, so shalt thou wear thy green leaves, winter and summer--forever!"

Apollo ceased speaking and the laurel bent its new-made boughs inassent, and its stem seemed to shake and its leaves gently to murmur. 

BIRD DAY

THE OLD WOMAN WHO BECAME A WOODPECKER

BY PHOEBE CARY (ADAPTED)

Afar in the Northland, where the winter days are so short and the nightsso long, and where they harness the reindeer to sledges, and where thechildren look like bear's cubs in their funny, furry clothes, there, long ago, wandered a good Saint on the snowy roads. 

He came one day to the door of a cottage, and looking in saw a littleold woman making cakes, and baking them on the hearth. 

Now, the good Saint was faint with fasting, and he asked if she wouldgive him one small cake wherewith to stay his hunger. 

So the little old woman made a VERY SMALL cake and placed it on thehearth; but as it lay baking she looked at it and thought: "That is abig cake, indeed, quite too big for me to give away. "

Then she kneaded another cake, much smaller, and laid that on the hearthto cook, but when she turned it over it looked larger than the first. 

So she took a tiny scrap of dough, and rolled it out, and rolled it out, and baked it as thin as a wafer; but when it was done it looked so largethat she could not bear to part with it; and she said: "My cakes aremuch too big to give away, "--and she put them on the shelf. 

Then the good Saint grew angry, for he was hungry and faint. "You aretoo selfish to have a human form, " said he. "You are too greedy todeserve food, shelter, and a warm fire. Instead, henceforth, you shallbuild as the birds do, and get your scanty living by picking up nuts andberries and by boring, boring all the day long, in the bark of trees. "

Hardly had the good Saint said this when the little old woman wentstraight up the chimney, and came out at the top changed into ared-headed woodpecker with coal-black feathers. 

And now every country boy may see her in the woods, where she lives intrees boring, boring, boring for her food. 

THE BOY WHO BECAME A ROBIN

AN OJIBBEWAY LEGEND

BY HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT (ADAPTED)

Once upon a time there was an old Indian who had an only son, whose namewas Opeechee. The boy had come to the age when every Indian lad makes along fast, in order to secure a Spirit to be his guardian for life. 

Now, the old man was very proud, and he wished his son to fast longerthan other boys, and to become a greater warrior than all others. So hedirected him to prepare with solemn ceremonies for the fast. 

After the boy had been in the sweating lodge and bath several times, his father commanded him to lie down upon a clean mat, in a little lodgeapart from the rest. 

"My son, " said he, "endure your hunger like a man, and at the end ofTWELVE DAYS, you shall receive food and a blessing from my hands. "

The boy carefully did all that his father commanded, and lay quietlywith his face covered, awaiting the arrival of his guardian Spirit whowas to bring him good or bad dreams. 

His father visited him every day, encouraging him to endure withpatience the pangs of hunger and thirst. He told him of the honor andrenown that would be his if he continued his fast to the end of thetwelve days. 

To all this the boy replied not, but lay on his mat without a murmur ofdiscontent, until the ninth day; when he said:--

"My father, the dreams tell me of evil. May I break my fast now, and ata better time make a new one?"

"My son, " replied the old man, "you know not what you ask. If you getup now, all your glory will depart. Wait patiently a little longer. Youhave but three days more to fast, then glory and honor will be yours. "

The boy said nothing more, but, covering himself closer, he lay untilthe eleventh day, when he spoke again:--

"My father, " said he, "the dreams forebode evil. May I break my fastnow, and at a better time make a new one?"

"My son, " replied the old man again, "you know not what you ask. Waitpatiently a little longer. You have but one more day to fast. To-morrowI will myself prepare a meal and bring it to you. "

The boy remained silent, beneath his covering, and motionless except forthe gentle heaving of his breast. 

Early the next morning his father, overjoyed at having gained his end, prepared some food. He took it and hastened to the lodge intending toset it before his son. 

On coming to the door of the lodge what was his surprise to hear the boytalking to some one. He lifted the curtain hanging before the doorway, and looking in saw his son painting his breast with vermilion. And asthe lad laid on the bright color as far back on his shoulders as hecould reach, he was saying to himself:--

"My father has destroyed my fortune as a man. He would not listen to myrequests. I shall be happy forever, because I was obedient to my parent;but he shall suffer. My guardian Spirit has given me a new form, and nowI must go!"

At this his father rushed into the lodge, crying:

"My son! my son! I pray you leave me not!"

But the boy, with the quickness of a bird, flew to the top of the lodge, and perching upon the highest pole, was instantly changed into a mostbeautiful robin redbreast. 

He looked down on his father with pity in his eyes, and said:--

"Do not sorrow, O my father, I am no longer your boy, but Opeechee therobin. I shall always be a friend to men, and live near their dwellings. I shall ever be happy and content. Every day will I sing you songs ofjoy. The mountains and fields yield me food. My pathway is in the brightair. "

Then Opeechee the robin stretched himself as if delighting in his newwings, and caroling his sweetest song, he flew away to the near-bytrees. 

THE TONGUE-CUT SPARROW

BY A. B. MITFORD (ADAPTED)

Once upon a time there lived a little old man and a little old woman. The little old man had a kind heart, and he kept a young sparrow, whichhe cared for tenderly. Every morning it used to sing at the door of hishouse. 

Now, the little old woman was a cross old thing, and one day when shewas going to starch her linen, the sparrow pecked at her paste. Then sheflew into a great rage and cut the sparrow's tongue and let the bird flyaway. 

When the little old man came home from the hills, where he had beenchopping wood, he found the sparrow gone. 

"Where is my little sparrow?" asked he. 

"It pecked at my starching-paste, " answered the little old woman, "so Icut its evil tongue and let it fly away. "

"Alas! Alas!" cried the little old man. "Poor thing! Poor thing! Poorlittle tongue-cut sparrow! Where is your home now?"

And then he wandered far and wide seeking his pet and crying:--

"Mr. Sparrow, Mr. Sparrow, where are you living?"

And he wandered on and on, over mountain and valley, and dale and river, until one day at the foot of a certain mountain he met the lost bird. The little old man was filled with joy and the sparrow welcomed him withits sweetest song. 

It led the little old man to its nest-house, introduced him to its wifeand small sparrows, and set before him all sorts of good things to eatand drink. 

"Please partake of our humble fare, " sang the sparrow; "poor as it is, you are welcome. "

"What a polite sparrow, " answered the little old man, and he stayed fora long time as the bird's guest. At last one day the little old man saidthat he must take his leave and return home. 

"Wait a bit, " said the sparrow. 

And it went into the house and brought out two wicker baskets. One wasvery heavy and the other light. 

"Take the one you wish, " said the sparrow, "and good fortune go withyou. "

"I am very feeble, " answered the little old man, "so I will take thelight one. "

He thanked the sparrow, and, shouldering the basket, said good-bye. Thenhe trudged off leaving the sparrow family sad and lonely. 

When he reached home the little old woman was very angry, and began toscold him, saying:--

"Well, and pray where have you been all these days? A pretty thing, indeed, for you to be gadding about like this!"

"Oh, " he replied, "I have been on a visit to the tongue-cut sparrow, andwhen I came away it gave me this wicker basket as a parting gift. "

Then they opened the basket to see what was inside, and lo and behold!it was full of gold, silver, and other precious things!

The little old woman was as greedy as she was cross, and when she sawall the riches spread before her, she could not contain herself for joy. 

"Ho! Ho!" cried she. "Now I'll go and call on the sparrow, and get apretty present, too!"

She asked the old man the way to the sparrow's house and set forth onher journey. And she wandered on and on over mountain and valley, anddale and river, until at last she saw the tongue-cut sparrow. 

"Well met, well met, Mr. Sparrow, " cried she. "I have been lookingforward with much pleasure to seeing you. " And then she tried to flatterit with soft, sweet words. 

So the bird had to invite her to its nest-house, but it did not feasther nor say anything about a parting gift. At last the little old womanhad to go, and she asked for something to carry with her to remember thevisit by. The sparrow, as before, brought out two wicker baskets. Onewas very heavy and the other light. 

The greedy little old woman, choosing the heavy one, carried it off withher. 

She hurried home as fast as she was able, and closing her doors andwindows so that no one might see, opened the basket. And, lo and behold!out jumped all sorts of wicked hobgoblins and imps, and they scratchedand pinched her to death. 

As for the little old man he adopted a son, and his family grew rich andprosperous. 

THE QUAILS--A LEGEND OF THE JATAKA

FROM THE RIVERSIDE FOURTH READER

Ages ago a flock of more than a thousand quails lived together in aforest in India. They would have been happy, but that they were in greatdread of their enemy, the quail-catcher. He used to imitate the callof the quail; and when they gathered together in answer to it, he wouldthrow a great net over them, stuff them into his basket, and carry themaway to be sold. 

Now, one of the quails was very wise, and he said:--

"Brothers! I've thought of a good plan. In future, as soon as the fowlerthrows his net over us, let each one put his head through a mesh in thenet and then all lift it up together and fly away with it. When we haveflown far enough, we can let the net drop on a thorn bush and escapefrom under it. "

All agreed to the plan; and next day when the fowler threw his net, thebirds all lifted it together in the very way that the wise quail hadtold them, threw it on a thorn bush and escaped. While the fowler triedto free his net from the thorns, it grew dark, and he had to go home. 

This happened many days, till at last the fowler's wife grew angry andasked her husband:--

"Why is it that you never catch any more quail?"

Then the fowler said: "The trouble is that all the birds work togetherand help one another. If they would only quarrel, I could catch themfast enough. "

A few days later, one of the quails accidentally trod on the head of oneof his brothers, as they alighted on the feeding-ground. 

"Who trod on my head?" angrily inquired the quail who was hurt. 

"Don't be angry, I didn't mean to tread on you, " said the first quail. 

But the brother quail went on quarreling. 

"I lifted all the weight of the net; you didn't help at all, " he cried. 

That made the first quail angry, and before long all were drawn intothe dispute. Then the fowler saw his chance. He imitated the cry of thequail and cast his net over those who came together. They were stillboasting and quarreling, and they did not help one another lift the net. So the hunter lifted the net himself and crammed them into his basket. But the wise quail gathered his friends together and flew far away, forhe knew that quarrels are the root of misfortune. 

THE MAGPIE'S NEST

BY JOSEPH JACOBS

All the birds of the air came to the magpie and asked her to teachthem how to build nests. For the magpie is the cleverest bird of allat building nests. So she put all the birds round her and began to showthem how to do it. First of all she took some mud and made a sort ofround cake with it. 

"Oh, that's how it's done!" said the thrush, and away it flew; and sothat's how thrushes build their nests. 

Then the magpie took some twigs and arranged them round in the mud. 

"Now I know all about it!" said the blackbird, and off it flew; andthat's how the blackbirds make their nests to this very day. 

Then the magpie put another layer of mud over the twigs. 

"Oh, that 's quite obvious!" said the wise owl, and away it flew; andowls have never made better nests since. 

After this the magpie took some twigs and twined them round the outside. 

"The very thing!" said the sparrow, and off he went; so sparrows makerather slovenly nests to this day. 

Well, then Madge magpie took some feathers and stuff, and lined the nestvery comfortably with it. 

"That suits me!" cried the starling, and off it flew; and verycomfortable nests have starlings. 

So it went on, every bird taking away some knowledge of how to buildnests, but none of them waiting to the end. 

Meanwhile Madge magpie went on working and working without looking up, till the only bird that remained was the turtle-dove, and that hadn'tpaid any attention all along, but only kept on saying its silly cry:"Take two, Taffy, take two-o-o-o!"

At last the magpie heard this just as she was putting a twig across, soshe said: "One's enough. "

But the turtle-dove kept on saying: "Take two, Taffy, take two-o-o-o!"

Then the magpie got angry and said: "One's enough, I tell you!"

Still the turtle-dove cried: "Take two, Taffy, take two-o-o-o!"

At last, and at last, the magpie looked up and saw nobody near her butthe silly turtle-dove, and then she got rarely angry and flew away andrefused to tell the birds how to build nests again. 

And that is why different birds build their nests differently. 

THE GREEDY GEESE

FROM IL LIBRO D'ORO (ADAPTED)

Many years ago there was near the sea a convent famed for the rich cropsof grain that grew on its farm. On a certain year a large flock of wildgeese descended on its fields and devoured first the corn, and then thegreen blades. 

The superintendent of the farm hastened to the convent and called thelady abbess. 

"Holy mother, " said he, "this year the nuns will have to fastcontinually, for there will be no food. "

"Why is that?" asked the abbess. 

"Because, " answered the superintendent, "a flood of wild geese hasrained upon the land, and they have eaten up the corn, nor have theyleft a single green blade. "

"Is it possible, " said the abbess, "that these wicked birds have norespect for the property of the convent! They shall do penance for theirmisdeeds. Return at once to the fields, and order the geese from me tocome without delay to the convent door, so that they may receive justpunishment for their greediness. "

"But, mother, " said the superintendent, "this is not a time for jesting!These are not sheep to be guided into the fold, but birds with long, strong wings, to fly away with. "

"Do you understand me!" answered the abbess. "Go at once, and bid themcome to me without delay, and render an account of their misdeeds. "

The superintendent ran back to the farm, and found the flock ofevildoers still there. He raised his voice and clapping his hands, cried:--

"Come, come, ye greedy geese! The lady abbess commands you to hasten tothe convent door!"

Wonderful sight! Hardly had he uttered these words than the geese raisedtheir necks as if to listen, then, without spreading their wings, theyplaced themselves in single file, and in regular order began to marchtoward the convent. As they proceeded they bowed their heads as ifconfessing their fault and as though about to receive punishment. 

Arriving at the convent, they entered the courtyard in exact order, onebehind the other, and there awaited the coming of the abbess. All nightthey stood thus without making a sound, as if struck dumb by theirguilty consciences. But when morning came, they uttered the most pitifulcries as though asking pardon and permission to depart. 

Then the lady abbess, taking compassion on the repentant birds, appearedwith some nuns upon a balcony. Long she talked to the geese, asking themwhy they had stolen the convent grain. She threatened them with a longfast, and then, softening, began to offer them pardon if they wouldnever again attack her lands, nor eat her corn. To which the geese bowedtheir heads low in assent. Then the abbess gave them her blessing andpermission to depart. 

Hardly had she done so when the geese, spreading their wings, made ajoyous circle above the convent towers, and flew away. Alighting at somedistance they counted their number and found one missing. For, alas! inthe night, when they had been shut in the courtyard, the convent cook, seeing how fat they were, had stolen one bird and had killed, roasted, and eaten it. 

When the birds discovered that one of their number was missing, theyagain took wing and, hovering over the convent, they uttered mournfulcries, complaining of the loss of their comrade, and imploring theabbess to return him to the flock. 

Now, when the lady abbess heard these melancholy pleas, she assembledher household, and inquired of each member where the bird might be. The cook, fearing that it might be already known to her, confessed thetheft, and begged for pardon. 

"You have been very audacious, " said the abbess, "but at least collectthe bones and bring them to me. "

The cook did as directed, and the abbess at a word caused the bones tocome together and to assume flesh, and afterwards feathers, and, lo! theoriginal bird rose up. 

The geese, having received their lost companion, rejoiced loudly, and, beating their wings gratefully, made many circles over the sacredcloister, before they flew away. Neither did they in future ever dareto place a foot on the lands of the convent, nor to touch one blade ofgrass. 

THE KING OF THE BIRDS

BY THE BROTHERS GRIMM (TRANSLATED)

One day the birds took it into their heads that they would like amaster, and that one of their number must be chosen king. A meeting ofall the birds was called, and on a beautiful May morning they assembledfrom woods and fields and meadows. The eagle, the robin, the bluebird, the owl, the lark, the sparrow were all there. The cuckoo came, and thelapwing, and so did all the other birds, too numerous to mention. Therealso came a very little bird that had no name at all. 

There was great confusion and noise. There was piping, hissing, chattering and clacking, and finally it was decided that the bird thatcould fly the highest should be king. 

The signal was given and all the birds flew in a great flock into theair. There was a loud rustling and whirring and beating of wings. Theair was full of dust, and it seemed as if a black cloud were floatingover the field. 

The little birds soon grew tired and fell back quickly to earth. Thelarger ones held out longer, and flew higher and higher, but the eagleflew highest of any. He rose, and rose, until he seemed to be flyingstraight into the sun. 

The other birds gave out and one by one they fell back to earth; andwhen the eagle saw this he thought, "What is the use of flying anyhigher? It is settled: I am king!"

Then the birds below called in one voice: "Come back, come back! Youmust be our king! No one can fly as high as you. "

"Except me!" cried a shrill, shrill voice, and the little bird withouta name rose from the eagle's back, where he had lain hidden in thefeathers, and he flew into the air. Higher and higher he mounted tillhe was lost to sight, then, folding his wings together, he sank to earthcrying shrilly: "I am king! I am king!"

"You, our king!" the birds cried in anger; "you have done this bytrickery and cunning. We will not have you to reign over us. "

Then the birds gathered together again and made another condition, thathe should be king who could go the deepest into the earth. 

How the goose wallowed in the sand, and the duck strove to dig a hole!All the other birds, too, tried to hide themselves in the ground. The little bird without a name found a mouse's hole, and creeping incried:--

"I am king! I am king!"

"You, our king!" all the birds cried again, more angrily than before. "Do you think that we would reward your cunning in this way? No, no! Youshall stay in the earth till you die of hunger!"

So they shut up the little bird in the mouse's hole, and bade the owlwatch him carefully night and day. Then all the birds went home to bed, for they were very tired; but the owl found it lonely and wearisomesitting alone staring at the mouse's hole. 

"I can close one eye and watch with the other, " he thought. So he closedone eye and stared steadfastly with the other; but before he knew it heforgot to keep that one open, and both eyes were fast asleep. 

Then the little bird without a name peeped out, and when he saw MasterOwl's two eyes tight shut, he slipped from the hole and flew away. 

From this time on the owl has not dared to show himself by day lestthe birds should pull him to pieces. He flies about only at night-time, hating and pursuing the mouse for having made the hole into which thelittle bird crept. 

And the little bird also keeps out of sight, for he fears lest the otherbirds should punish him for his cunning. He hides in the hedges, andwhen he thinks himself quite safe, he sings out: "I am king! I am king!"

And the other birds in mockery call out: "Yes, yes, the hedge-king! thehedge-king!"

THE DOVE WHO SPOKE TRUTH

BY ABBIE FARWELL BROWN

The dove and the wrinkled little bat once went on a journey together. When it came toward night a storm arose, and the two companions soughteverywhere for a shelter. But all the birds were sound asleep in theirnests and the animals in their holes and dens. They could find nowelcome anywhere until they came to the hollow tree where old Master Owllived, wide awake in the dark. 

"Let us knock here, " said the shrewd bat; "I know the old fellow is notasleep. This is his prowling hour, and but that it is a stormy night hewould be abroad hunting. --What ho, Master Owl!" he squeaked, "will youlet in two storm-tossed travelers for a night's lodging?"

Gruffly the selfish old owl bade them enter, and grudgingly invited themto share his supper. The poor dove was so tired that she could scarcelyeat, but the greedy bat's spirits rose as soon as he saw the viandsspread before him. He was a sly fellow, and immediately began to flatterhis host into good humor. He praised the owl's wisdom and his courage, his gallantry and his generosity; though every one knew that howeverwise old Master Owl might be, he was neither brave nor gallant. Asfor his generosity--both the dove and the bat well remembered hisselfishness toward the poor wren, when the owl alone of all the birdsrefused to give the little fire-bringer a feather to help cover hisscorched and shivering body. 

All this flattery pleased the owl. He puffed and ruffled himself, tryingto look as wise, gallant, and brave as possible. He pressed the bat tohelp himself more generously to the viands, which invitation the slyfellow was not slow to accept. 

During this time the dove had not uttered a word. She sat quite stillstaring at the bat, and wondering to hear such insincere speeches offlattery. Suddenly the owl turned to her. 

"As for you, Miss Pink-Eyes, " he said gruffly, "you keep carefulsilence. You are a dull table-companion. Pray, have you nothing to sayfor yourself?"

"Yes, " exclaimed the mischievous bat; "have you no words of praise forour kind host? Methinks he deserves some return for this wonderfullygenerous, agreeable, tasteful, well-appointed, luxurious, elegant, andaltogether acceptable banquet. What have you to say, O little dove?"

But the dove hung her head, ashamed of her companion, and said verysimply: "O Master Owl, I can only thank you with all my heart for thehospitality and shelter which you have given me this night. I was beatenby the storm, and you took me in. I was hungry, and you gave me yourbest to eat. I cannot flatter nor make pretty speeches like the bat. Inever learned such manners. But I thank you. "

"What!" cried the bat, pretending to be shocked, "is that all you haveto say to our obliging host? Is he not the wisest, bravest, most gallantand generous of gentlemen? Have you no praise for his noble character aswell as for his goodness to us? I am ashamed of you! You do not deservesuch hospitality. You do not deserve this shelter. "

The dove remained silent. Like Cordelia in the play she could not speakuntruths even for her own happiness. 

"Truly, you are an unamiable guest, " snarled the owl, his yellow eyesgrowing keen and fierce with anger and mortified pride. "You are anungrateful bird, Miss, and the bat is right. You do not deserve thisgenerous hospitality which I have offered, this goodly shelter which youasked. Away with you! Leave my dwelling! Pack off into the storm and seewhether or not your silence will soothe the rain and the wind. Be off, Isay!"

"Yes, away with her!" echoed the bat, flapping his leathery wings. 

And the two heartless creatures fell upon the poor little dove and droveher out into the dark and stormy night. 

Poor little dove! All night she was tossed and beaten about shelterlessin the storm, because she had been too truthful to flatter the vain oldowl. But when the bright morning dawned, draggled and weary as she was, she flew to the court of King Eagle and told him all her trouble. Greatwas the indignation of that noble bird. 

"For his flattery and his cruelty let the bat never presume to flyabroad until the sun goes down, " he cried. "As for the owl, I havealready doomed him to this punishment for his treatment of the wren. Buthenceforth let no bird have anything to do with either of them, thebat or the owl. Let them be outcasts and night-prowlers, enemies to beattacked and punished if they appear among us, to be avoided by all intheir loneliness. Flattery and inhospitality, deceit and cruelty, --whatare more hideous than these? Let them cover themselves in darkness andshun the happy light of day. 

"As for you, little dove, let this be a lesson to you to shun thecompany of flatterers, who are sure to get you into trouble. But youshall always be loved for your simplicity and truth. And as a tokenof our affection your name shall be used by poets as long as the worldshall last to rhyme with LOVE. "

THE BUSY BLUE JAY

BY OLIVE THORNE MILLER (ADAPTED)

One of the most interesting birds who ever lived in my Bird Room was ablue jay named Jakie. He was full of business from morning till night, scarcely ever a moment still. 

Poor little fellow! He had been stolen from the nest before he couldfly, and reared in a house, long before he was given to me. Of course hecould not be set free, for he did not know how to take care of himself. 

Jays are very active birds, and being shut up in a room, my blue jay hadto find things to do, to keep himself busy. If he had been allowed togrow up out of doors, he would have found plenty to do, planting acornsand nuts, nesting, and bringing up families. 

Sometimes the things he did in the house were what we call mischiefbecause they annoy us, such as hammering the woodwork to pieces, tearingbits out of the leaves of books, working holes in chair seats, orpounding a cardboard box to pieces. But how is a poor little bird toknow what is mischief?

Many things which Jakie did were very funny. For instance, he made ithis business to clear up the room. When he had more food than hecould eat at the moment, he did not leave it around, but put it awaycarefully, --not in the garbage pail, for that was not in the room, butin some safe nook where it did not offend the eye. Sometimes it wasbehind the tray in his cage, or among the books on the shelf. The placeshe liked best were about me, --in the fold of a ruffle or the loop ofa bow on my dress, and sometimes in the side of my slipper. The verychoicest place of all was in my loosely bound hair. That, of course, Icould not allow, and I had to keep very close watch of him, for fear Imight have a bit of bread or meat thrust among my locks. 

In his clearing up he always went carefully over the floor, pickingup pins, or any little thing he could find, and I often dropped burntmatches, buttons, and other small things to give him something to do. These he would pick up and put nicely away. 

Pins Jakie took lengthwise in his beak, and at first I thought he hadswallowed them, till I saw him hunt up a proper place to hide them. Theplace he chose was between the leaves of a book. He would push a pin farin out of sight, and then go after another. A match he always tried toput in a crack, under the baseboard, between the breadths of matting, orunder my rockers. He first placed it, and then tried to hammer it inout of sight. He could seldom get it in far enough to suit him, and thisworried him. Then he would take it out and try another place. 

Once the blue jay found a good match, of the parlor match variety. Heput it between the breadths of matting, and then began to pound on itas usual. Pretty soon he hit the unburnt end and it went off with a loudcrack, as parlor matches do. Poor Jakie jumped two feet into the air, nearly frightened out of his wits; and I was frightened, too, for Ifeared he might set the house on fire. 

Often when I got up from my chair a shower of the bird's playthingswould fall from his various hiding-places about my dress, --nails, matches, shoe-buttons, bread-crumbs, and other things. Then he had tobegin his work all over again. 

Jakie liked a small ball or a marble. His game was to give it a hardpeck and see it roll. If it rolled away from him, he ran after it andpecked again; but sometimes it rolled toward him, and then he boundedinto the air as if he thought it would bite. And what was funny, he wasalways offended at this conduct of the ball, and went off sulky for awhile. 

He was a timid little fellow. Wind or storm outside the windows made himwild. He would fly around the room, squawking at the top of his voice;and the horrible tin horns the boys liked to blow at Thanksgiving andChristmas drove him frantic. 

Once I brought a Christmas tree into the room to please the birds, andall were delighted with it except my poor little blue jay, who was muchafraid of it. Think of the sadness of a bird being afraid of a tree!

II

Jakie had decided opinions about people who came into the room to seeme, or to see the birds. At some persons he would squawk every moment. Others he saluted with a queer cry like "Ob-ble! ob-ble! ob-ble!" Oncewhen a lady came in with a baby, he fixed his eyes on that infant with asavage look as if he would like to peck it, and jumped back and forth inhis cage, panting but perfectly silent. 

Jakie was very devoted to me. He always greeted me with a low, sweetchatter, with wings quivering, and, if he were out of the cage, he wouldcome on the back of my chair and touch my cheek or lips very gently withhis beak, or offer me a bit of food if he had any; and to me alone whenno one else was near, he sang a low, exquisite song. I afterwardsheard a similar song sung by a wild blue jay to his mate while she wassitting, and so I knew that my dear little captive had given me hissweetest--his love-song. 

One of Jakie's amusements was dancing across the back of a tall chair, taking funny little steps, coming down hard, "jouncing" his body, andwhistling as loud as he could. He would keep up this funny performanceas long as anybody would stand before him and pretend to dance too. 

My jay was fond of a sensation. One of his dearest bits of fun was todrive the birds into a panic. This he did by flying furiously around theroom, feathers rustling, and squawking as loud as he could. He usuallymanaged to fly just over the head of each bird, and as he came like acatapult, every one flew before him, so that in a minute the room wasfull of birds flying madly about, trying to get out of his way. Thisgave him great pleasure. 

Once a grasshopper got into the Bird Room, probably brought in clingingto some one's dress in the way grasshoppers do. Jakie was in his cage, but he noticed the stranger instantly, and I opened the door for him. He went at once to look at the grasshopper, and when it hopped he wasso startled that he hopped too. Then he picked the insect up, but hedid not know what to do with it, so he dropped it again. Again thegrasshopper jumped directly up, and again the jay did the same. Thisthey did over and over, till every one was tired laughing at them. Itlooked as if they were trying to see who could jump the highest. 

There was another bird in the room, however, who knew what grasshopperswere good for. He was an orchard oriole, and after looking on awhile, he came down and carried off the hopper to eat. The jay did not liketo lose his plaything; he ran after the thief, and stood on the floorgiving low cries and looking on while the oriole on a chair was eatingthe dead grasshopper. When the oriole happened to drop it, Jakie, --whohad got a new idea what to do with grasshoppers, --snatched it up andcarried it under a chair and finished it. 

I could tell many more stories about my bird, but I have told thembefore in one of my "grown-up" books, so I will not repeat them here. 

BABES IN THE WOODS

BY JOHN BURROUGHS

One day in early May, Ted and I made an expedition to the Shattega, astill, dark, deep stream that loiters silently through the woods not farfrom my cabin. As we paddled along, we were on the alert for any bit ofwild life of bird or beast that might turn up. 

There were so many abandoned woodpecker chambers in the small deadtrees as we went along that I determined to secure the section of a treecontaining a good one to take home and put up for the bluebirds. "Whydon't the bluebirds occupy them here?" inquired Ted. "Oh, " I replied, "blue birds do not come so far into the woods as this. They prefernesting-places in the open, and near human habitations. " After carefullyscrutinizing several of the trees, we at last saw one that seemed tofill the bill. It was a small dead tree-trunk seven or eight inches indiameter, that leaned out over the water, and from which the top hadbeen broken. The hole, round and firm, was ten or twelve feet above us. After considerable effort I succeeded in breaking the stub off near theground, and brought it down into the boat. 

"Just the thing, " I said; "surely the bluebirds will prefer this to anartificial box. " But, lo and behold, it already had bluebirds in it! Wehad not heard a sound or seen a feather till the trunk was in our hands, when, on peering into the cavity, we discovered two young bluebirdsabout half grown. This was a predicament indeed!

Well, the only thing we could do was to stand the tree-trunk up again aswell as we could, and as near as we could to where it had stood before. This was no easy thing. But after a time we had it fairly well replaced, one end standing in the mud of the shallow water and the other restingagainst a tree. This left the hole to the nest about ten feet below andto one side of its former position. Just then we heard the voice of oneof the parent birds, and we quickly paddled to the other side of thestream, fifty feet away, to watch her proceedings, saying to each other, "Too bad! too bad!" The mother bird had a large beetle in her beak. She alighted upon a limb a few feet above the former site of her nest, looked down upon us, uttered a note or two, and then dropped downconfidently to the point in the vacant air where the entrance to hernest had been but a few moments before. Here she hovered on the winga second or two, looking for something that was not there, and thenreturned to the perch she had just left, apparently not a littledisturbed. She hammered the beetle rather excitedly upon the limb a fewtimes, as if it were in some way at fault, then dropped down to try forher nest again. Only vacant air there! She hovers and hovers, her bluewings flickering in the checkered light; surely that precious hole MUSTbe there; but no, again she is baffled, and again she returns to herperch, and mauls the poor beetle till it must be reduced to a pulp. Thenshe makes a third attempt, then a fourth, and a fifth, and a sixth, tillshe becomes very much excited. "What could have happened? Am I dreaming?Has that beetle hoodooed me?" she seems to say, and in her dismay shelets the bug drop, and looks bewilderedly about her. Then she flies awaythrough the woods, calling. "Going for her mate, " I said to Ted. "She isin deep trouble, and she wants sympathy and help. "

In a few minutes we heard her mate answer, and presently the two birdscame hurrying to the spot, both with loaded beaks. They perched upon thefamiliar limb above the site of the nest, and the mate seemed to say, "My dear, what has happened to you? I can find that nest. " And he diveddown, and brought up in the empty air just as the mother had done. Howhe winnowed it with his eager wings! How he seemed to bear on to thatblank space! His mate sat regarding him intently, confident, I think, that he would find the clue. But he did not. Baffled and excited, hereturned to the perch beside her. Then she tried again, then he rusheddown once more, then they both assaulted the place, but it would notgive up its secret. They talked, they encouraged each other, and theykept up the search, now one, now the other, now both together. Sometimesthey dropped down to within a few feet of the entrance to the nest, and we thought they would surely find it. No, their minds and eyes wereintent only upon that square foot of space where the nest had been. Soonthey withdrew to a large limb many feet higher up, and seemed to say tothemselves, "Well, it is not there, but it must be here somewhere; let us lookabout. " A few minutes elapsed, when we saw the mother bird spring fromher perch and go straight as an arrow to the nest. Her maternal eye hadproved the quicker. She had found her young. Something like reason andcommon sense had come to her rescue; she had taken time to look about, and behold! there was that precious doorway. She thrust her head intoit, then sent back a call to her mate, then went farther in, thenwithdrew. "Yes, it is true, they are here, they are here!" Then she wentin again, gave them the food in her beak, and then gave place to hermate, who, after similar demonstrations of joy, also gave them hismorsel. 

Ted and I breathed freer. A burden had been taken from our minds andhearts, and we went cheerfully on our way. We had learned something, too; we had learned that when in the deep woods you think of bluebirds, bluebirds may be nearer you than you think. 

THE PRIDE OF THE REGIMENT

BY HARRY M. KIEFFER (ADAPTED)

"Old Abe" was the war-eagle of the Eighth Wisconsin Volunteers. Whoeverit may have been that first conceived the idea, it was certainly a happythought to make a pet of an eagle. For the eagle is our national bird, and to carry an eagle along with the colors of a regiment on themarch, and in battle, and all through the whole war, was surely veryappropriate, indeed. 

"Old Abe's" perch was on a shield, which was carried by a soldier, towhom, and to whom alone, he looked as to a master. He would not allowany one to carry or even to handle him, except this soldier, nor wouldhe ever receive his food from any other person's hands. He seemed tohave sense enough to know that he was sometimes a burden to his masteron the march, however, and, as if to relieve him, would occasionallyspread his wings and soar aloft to a great height, the men of allregiments along the line of march cheering him as he went up. 

He regularly received his rations from the commissary, like any enlistedman. Whenever fresh meat was scarce, and none could be found for him byforaging parties, he would take things into his own claws, as it were, and go out on a foraging expedition himself. On some such occasions hewould be gone two or three days at a time, during which nothing whateverwas seen of him; but he would invariably return, and seldom would comeback without a young lamb or a chicken in his talons. His long absencesoccasioned his regiment not the slightest concern, for the men knewthat, though he might fly many miles away in quest of food, he would bequite sure to find them again. 

In what way he distinguished the two hostile armies so accurately thathe was never once known to mistake the gray for the blue, no one cantell. But so it was, that he was never known to alight save in his owncamp, and amongst his own men. 

At Jackson, Mississippi, during the hottest part of the battle beforethat city, "Old Abe" soared up into the air, and remained there fromearly morning until the fight closed at night, no doubt greatly enjoyinghis bird's-eye view of the battle. He did the same at Mission Ridge. Hewas, I believe, struck by Confederate bullets two or three times, buthis feathers were so thick that his body was not much hurt. The shieldon which he was carried, however, showed so many marks of Confederateballs that it looked on top as if a groove plane had been run over it. 

At the Centennial celebration held in Philadelphia, in 1876, "Old Abe"occupied a prominent place on his perch on the west side of the navein the Agricultural Building. He was evidently growing old, and was theobserved of all observers. Thousands of visitors, from all sections ofthe country, paid their respects to the grand old bird, who, apparentlyconscious of the honors conferred upon him, overlooked the sale ofhis biography and photographs going on beneath his perch with entiresatisfaction. 

As was but just and right, the soldier who had carried him during thewar continued to have charge of him after the war was over, until theday of his death, which occurred at the capital of Wisconsin, in 1881. 

THE MOTHER MURRE

BY DALLAS LORE SHARP

One of the most striking cases of mother-love which has ever come undermy observation, I saw in the summer of 1912 on the bird rookeries of theThree-Arch Rocks Reservation off the coast of Oregon. 

We were making our slow way toward the top of the outer rock. Throughrookery after rookery of birds, we climbed until we reached the edge ofthe summit. Scrambling over this edge, we found ourselves in the midstof a great colony of nesting murres--hundreds of them--covering thissteep rocky part of the top. 

As our heads appeared above the rim, many of the colony took wing andwhirred over us out to sea, but most of them sat close, each bird uponits egg or over its chick, loath to leave, and so expose to us thehidden treasure. 

The top of the rock was somewhat cone-shaped, and in order to reach thepeak and the colonies on the west side we had to make our way throughthis rookery of the murres. The first step among them, and the wholecolony was gone, with a rush of wings and feet that sent several of thetop-shaped eggs rolling, and several of the young birds toppling overthe cliff to the pounding waves and ledges far below. 

We stopped, but the colony, almost to a bird, had bolted, leaving scoresof eggs, and scores of downy young squealing and running together forshelter, like so many beetles under a lifted board. 

But the birds had not every one bolted, for here sat two of the colonyamong the broken rocks. These two had not been frightened off. That bothof them were greatly alarmed, any one could see from their open beaks, their rolling eyes, their tense bodies on tiptoe for flight. Yet herethey sat, their wings out like props, or more like gripping hands, as ifthey were trying to hold themselves down to the rocks against their wilddesire to fly. 

And so they were, in truth, for under their extended wings I saw littleblack feet moving. Those two mother murres were not going to forsaketheir babies! No, not even for these approaching monsters, such as theyhad never before seen, clambering over their rocks. 

What was different about these two? They had their young ones toprotect. Yes, but so had every bird in the great colony its young one, or its egg, to protect, yet all the others had gone. Did these twohave more mother-love than the others? And hence, more courage, moreintelligence?

We took another step toward them, and one of the two birds sprang intothe air, knocking her baby over and over with the stroke of her wing, and coming within an inch of hurling it across the rim to be batteredon the ledges below. The other bird raised her wings to follow, thenclapped them back over her baby. Fear is the most contagious thing inthe world; and that flap of fear by the other bird thrilled her, too, but as she had withstood the stampede of the colony, so she caughtherself again and held on. 

She was now alone on the bare top of the rock, with ten thousandcircling birds screaming to her in the air above, and with two mencreeping up to her with a big black camera that clicked ominously. Shelet the multitude scream, and with threatening beak watched the two mencome on. A motherless baby, spying her, ran down the rock squealingfor his life. She spread a wing, put her bill behind him and shoved himquickly in out of sight with her own baby. The man with the camera sawthe act, for I heard his machine click, and I heard him say somethingunder his breath that you would hardly expect a mere man and agame-warden to say. But most men have a good deal of the mother in them;and the old bird had acted with such decision, such courage, such swift, compelling instinct, that any man, short of the wildest savage, wouldhave felt his heart quicken at the sight. 

"Just how compelling might that mother-instinct be?" I wondered. "Justhow much would that mother-love stand?" I had dropped to my knees, andon all fours had crept up within about three feet of the bird. She stillhad chance for flight. Would she allow me to crawl any nearer? Slowly, very slowly, I stretched forward on my hands, like a measuring-worm, until my body lay flat on the rocks, and my fingers were within threeINCHES of her. But her wings were twitching, a wild light danced in hereyes, and her head turned toward the sea. 

For a whole minute I did not stir. I was watching--and the wings againbegan to tighten about the babies, the wild light in the eyes died down, the long, sharp beak turned once more toward me. 

Then slowly, very slowly, I raised my hand, touched her feathers withthe tip of one finger--with two fingers--with my whole hand, while theloud camera click-clacked, click-clacked hardly four feet away!

It was a thrilling moment. I was not killing anything. I had nolong-range rifle in my hands, coming up against the wind toward anunsuspecting creature hundreds of yards away. This was no woundedleopard charging me; no mother-bear defending with her giant might acaptured cub. It was only a mother-bird, the size of a wild duck, with swift wings at her command, hiding under those wings her own andanother's young, and her own boundless fear!

For the second time in my life I had taken captive with my bare hands afree wild bird. No, I had not taken her captive. She had made herself acaptive; she had taken herself in the strong net of her mother-love. 

And now her terror seemed quite gone. At the first touch of my hand Ithink she felt the love restraining it, and without fear or fret she letme reach under her and pull out the babies. But she reached after themwith her bill to tuck them back out of sight, and when I did not letthem go, she sidled toward me, quacking softly, a language that Iperfectly understood, and was quick to respond to. I gave them back, fuzzy and black and white. She got them under her, stood up over them, pushed her wings down hard around them, her stout tail down hard behindthem, and together with them pushed in an abandoned egg that wasclose at hand. Her own baby, some one else's baby, and some one else'sforsaken egg! She could cover no more; she had not feathers enough. Butshe had heart enough; and into her mother's heart she had already tuckedevery motherless egg and nestling of the thousands of frightened birds, screaming and wheeling in the air high over her head. 

THE END

REFERENCE LISTS FOR STORY-TELLING AND COLLATERAL READING

REFERENCE LISTS FOR STORY-TELLING AND COLLATERAL READING

(The grades assigned are merely suggestive, as some of the stories maybe used in higher or lower grades than here indicated. )

NEW YEAR'S DAY

For grades 1-4. 

An All-the-Year-Round Story, in Poulsson, In the Child's World; Peterthe Stone-Cutter, in Macdonell, Italian Fairy Book; The Forest Full ofFriends, in Alden, Why the Chimes Rang. 

For grades 5-8. 

A Chinese New Year's in California, in Our Holidays Retold from St. Nicholas; A New Year's Talk, in Stevenson, Days and Deeds (prose); Storyof the Year, in Andersen, Stories and Tales; The Animals' New Year'sEve, in Lagerlof, Further Adventures of Nils. 

LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY

For grades 1-4. 

A Westfield Incident, in Moores, Abraham Lincoln, page 87; Lincoln andthe Little Horse, in Werner's Readings, no. 46; Lincoln and the Pig, in Gross, Lincoln's Own Stories; Lincoln and the Small Dog, in Moores, Abraham Lincoln, page 25. 

For grades 5-6. 

A Backwoods Boyhood, in Moores, Abraham Lincoln; Choosing Abe LincolnCaptain, in Schauffler, Lincoln's Birthday; Following the Surveyor'sChain, in Baldwin, Abraham Lincoln; His Good Memory of Names, inGallaher, Best Lincoln Stories; Lincoln and the Doorkeeper, in Gross, Lincoln's Own Stories, page 78, Lincoln and the Unjust Client, inMoores, Abraham Lincoln, page 46; Lincoln's Kindness to a DisabledSoldier, in Gallaher, Best Lincoln Stories; The Clary's Grove Boys, inNoah Brooks, Abraham Lincoln page 51; The Snow Boys, in Noah Brooks, Abraham Lincoln page 122. 

For grades 7-8. 

Counsel Assigned, Andrews; He Knew lincoln, Tarbell; Lincoln and theSleeping Sentinel, Chittenden; Lincoln Remembered Him, in Gallaher, BestLincoln Stories; Lincoln's Springfield Farewell, in Moores, Abrahamlincoln, page 82; Perfect Tribute, Andrews. 

SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY

For grades 1-4. 

A Sunday Valentine, in White, When Molly was Six; Beauty and the Beast, in Lang, Blue Fairy Book, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, in Lang, Blue Fairy Book; The Fair One With Golden Locks, in Scudder, Children'sBook; The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood, in Scudder, Children's Book; TheValentine (poem), in Brown, Fresh Posies. 

For grades 5-6. 

Gracieuse and Percinet, in D'Aulnoy, Fairy Tales; Jorinda and Joringel, in Grimm, German Household Tales; The Day-Dream, Tennyson (poem), in Story-Telling Poems; The Singing, Soaring Lark, in Grimm, GermanHousehold Tales William and the Werewolf, in Darton, Wonder Book of OldRomance. 

For grades 7-8. 

As You Like It, Shakespeare; Brunhild, in Baldwin, Story of Siegfried;Floris and Blanchefleur, in Darton, Wonder Book of Old Romance; Palamonand Arcita, in Darton, Tales of the Canterbury Pilgrims; The Fair Maidof Perth, Scott, chapters 2-6; The Singing Leaves, Lowell (poem); TheTempest, Shakespeare. 

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY

For grades 1-4. 

Little George Washington, and Great George Washington, in Wiggin andSmith, Story Hour; The Virginia Boy, in Wilson, Nature Study, SecondReader. 

For grades 54. 

A Christmas Surprise, in Tappan, American Hero Stories Dolly Madison, in Tappan, American Hero Stories; Going to Sea, in Scudder, GeorgeWashington, page 33; How George Washington was Made Commander-in-Chief, in Tomlinson, War for Independence; The Home of Washington, and TheAppearance of the Enemy, in Madison, Peggy Owen at Yorktown; YoungWashington in the Woods, in Eggleston, Strange Stories from History. 

For grades 7-8. 

Anecdotes and Stories, in Schauffler, Washington's Birthday; He Resignshis Commission, in Lodge, George Washington, vol. I, page 338; TheBritish at Mount Vernon, in Lodge, George Washington, vol. I, page 295;The Young Surveyor, in Scudder, George Washington; Washington Offeredthe Supreme Power, in Lodge, George Washington, vol. I, page 328;Washington's Farewell to His Officers, in Lodge, George Washington, vol. I, page 387. 

RESURRECTION DAY (EASTER)

For grades 1-4. 

Easter Eggs, von Schmid; The Boy Who Discovered the Spring, in Alden, Why the Chimes Rang; Herr Oster Hase, in Bailey and Lewis, Forthe Children's Hour; The Legend of Easter Eggs, O'Brien (poem), inStory-Telling Poems; The Rabbit's Ransom, Vawter; The White Hare, inStevenson, Days and Deeds (prose). 

For grades 5-8. 

Easter, Gilder (poem); The General's Easter Box, in Our HolidaysRetold from St. Nicholas; The Trinity Flower, Ewing; What Easter is, inStevenson, Days and Deeds (prose). 

MAY DAY

For grades 1-4. 

A Story of the Springtime, in Kupfer, Legends of Greeee and Rome; Howthe Water Lily Came, in Judd, Wigwam Stories; The Brook in the King'sGarden, in Alden, Why the Chimes Rang; The Legend of the Dandelion, inBailey and Lewis, For the Children's Hour; The Lilac Bush, in RiversideFourth Reader; The Maple Leaf and the Violet, in Wiggin and Smith, StoryFlour; The Story of the Anemone in Coe, First Book of Stories for theStory-Teller; The Story of the First Butterflies, in Holbrook, Book ofNature Myths; The Story of the First Snowdrops, in Holbrook, Book ofNature Myths; The Story of the Rainbow, in Coe, First Book of Storiesfor the Story-Teller; Two Little Seeds, in MacDonald, David Elginbrod, chapter, "The Cave in the Straw;" Why the Morning-Glory Climbs, inBryant, How to Tell Stories to Children. 

For grades 5-6. 

Ladders to Heaven, Ewing; The Daisy, in Andersen, Wonder Stories; Fiveout of One Shell, in Andersen, Stories and Tales; The Pomegranate Seeds, in Hawthorne, Tanglewood Tales. 

For grades 7-8. 

The May-Pole at Merry Mount, in Hawthorne, Twice-Told Tales; The Openingof the Eyes of Jasper, in Dyer The Richer Life; The Prisoner and theFlower, in Stevenson, Days and Deeds (prose). 

MOTHERS' DAY

For grades 1-4. 

Hans and the Wonderful Flower, in Bailey and Lewis For the Children'sHour; The Closing Door, in Lindsay Mother Stories; The Laughter of aSamurai, in Nixon-Roulet, Japanese Folk-Stories; The Fairy Who Came toour House, in Bailey and Lewis, For the Children's Hour; The LittleTraveler, in Lindsay, Mother Stories; Thorwald and the Star-Children, inBoyesen, Modern Vikings. 

For grades 5-6. 

Lincoln's Letter to a Mother, in Moores, Abraham Lincoln, page 105;My Angel Mother, in Baldwin, Abraham Lincoln; Napoleon and the EnglishSailor Boy, Campbell (poem), in Story-Telling Poems; The Song of the OldMother, Yeats (poem), in Riverside Eighth Reader; Valentine and Ursine(poem), in Lanier, Boy's Perey. 

For grades 7-8. 

A Patriot Mother, in Tomlinson, War for Independence; Lincoln's Letter, in Gross, Lincoln's Own Stories; President for One Hour, in St. NicholasChristmas Book; The Conqueror's Grave, Bryant (poem); The Gracci, inMorris, Historical Tales (Roman); The Knight's Toast attributed to Scott(poem), in Story-Telling Poems; Young Manhood, in Noah Brooks, AbrahamLincoln. 

MEMORIAL AND FLAG DAYS

For grades 3-6. 

A Boy Who Won the Cross, in Hart and Stevens, Romance of the Civil War;A Story of the Flag, in Our Holidays Retold from St. Nicholas; Betsy'sBattle Flag, Irving (poem), in Stevenson, Poems of American History;Noteworthy Flag Incidents, in Smith, Our Nation's Flag; The Legs ofDuncan Ketcham, in Price, Lads and Lassies of Other Days; The Origin ofMemorial Day, in Stevenson, Days and Deeds (prose); The Planting of theColors, in Thomas, Captain Phil, page 227. 

For grades 7-8. 

Kearny at Seven Pines, Stedman (poem); Quivira, Guiterman (poem), inStory-Telling Poems; Reading the List, in Sehauffler, Memorial Day;Remember the Alamo, in Lodge and Roosevelt, Hero Tales, Reuben James, Roche, (poem), in Story-Telling Poems; The Defense of the Alamo, Miller(poem), in Stevenson, Poems of American History; The Fire Rekindled, inSchauffler, Memorial Day; The Flag-Bearer, in Lodge and Roosevelt, HeroTales; The March of the First Brigade, in Riverside Eighth Reader. 

INDEPENDENCE DAY

For grades S-6. 

A Winter at Valley Forge, in Tappan, American Hero Stories; Cornwallis'sBuckles, in Revolutionary Stories Retold from St. Nicholas; Ethan Allen, in Johonnot, Stories of Heroic Deeds; Fourth of July Among the Indians, in Indian Stories Retold from St. Nicholas; How "Mad Anthony" Took StonyPoint, in Tappan, American Hero Stories; How the "Swamp Fox" Made theBritish Miserable, in Tappan, American Hero Stories; John Paul Jones, in Tappan, American Hero Stories; Laetitia and the Redcoats, inRevolutionary Stories Retold from St. Nicholas; Molly Pitcher, inRevolutionary Stories Retold from St. Nicholas; Paul Revere's RideLongfellow (poem), in Story-Telling Poems; Prescott and the Yankee Boy, in Johonnot, Stories of Heroic Deeds; Rodney's Ride, Brooks (poem), inStory-Telling Poems; The Boston Massacre, in Hawthorne, Grandfather'sChair; The Bulb of the Crimson Tulip, in Revolutionary Stories Retoldfrom St Nicholas; The First Day of the Revolution, in Tappan; AmericanHero Stories. 

For grades 7-8. 

A Woman's Heroism, in Tomlinson, War for Independence; Grandmother'sStory of Bunker-Hill Battle, Holmes (poem); How the Major JoinedMarion's Men, in Tomlinson, War for Independence; Molly Pitcher, Sherwood (poem), in Stevenson, Poems of American History; Patrick Henry, in Morris Historical Tales, American, Second Series; Song of Marion'sMen, Bryant (poem); That Bunker Hill Powder, in Revolutionary StoriesRetold from St. Nicholas; The Mantle of St. John de Matha, Whittier(poem); The Tory's Farewell, in Hawthorne, Grandfather's Chair. 

LABOR DAY

For grades 1-4. 

Dust Under the Rug, in Lindsay, Mother Stories, Giant Energy andFairy Skill, in Lindsay, Mother Stories; How Flax was Given to Men, inHolbrook, Book of Nature Myths; My Friend the Housekeeper, in RiversideFourth Reader, Peasant Truth, in Riverside Third Reader; Prometheus, the Giver of Firein Coe, First Book of Stories for the Story-Teller; Six Soldiers ofFortune, in Grimm, German Household Tales; The Country Maid and herMilk-Pail, in Scudder, Book of Fables and Folk-Stories; The Flax, inAndersen, Wonder Stories; The Hammer and the Anvil, in Ramaswami Raju, Indian Fables; The Honest Woodman, in Poulsson, In the Child's World;The Little Gray Pony, in Lindsay, Mother Stories; The Little House inthe Wood, in Grimm, German Household Tales; The Old Man Who Lived ina Wood (poem), in Story-Telling Poems; The Pixy Flower, in Rhys, Fairy-Gold; The Spandies, in Gilchrist, Helen and the Uninvited Guests, page 15; The Three Trades, in Grimm, German Household Tales; The Toyof the Giant's Child, von Chamisso (poem), in Story-Telling Poems;Vegetable Lambs, in Curtis, Story of Cotton; Vulcan the Mighty Smith, inPoulsson, In the Child's World. 

For grades 5-6. A Handful of Clay, in Riverside Sixth Reader; How theyBuilt the Ship Argo in Iolcos, in Kingsley, Greek Heroes; Icarus andDEedalus, in Peabody, Old Greek Folk-Stones; Master of All Masters, inJacobs, English Fairy Tales; The Dwarf's Gifts, in Brown, In the Daysof Giants; The Forging of Balmung, in Baldwin, Hero Tales; TheGiant Builder, in Brown, In the Days of Giants; The God of Fire, inFrancillon, Gods and Heroes; The Wicked Hornet, in Baldwin, The Sampo;The Wish-Ring, in Fairy Stories Retold from St. Nicholas; The Wounds ofLabor, in d'Amicis, Heart (Cuore); Weland's Sword, in Kipling, Puck ofPook's Hill. 

For grades 74. Careers of Danger and Daring, Moffett; David Maydole, Hammer-Maker, in Riverside Seventh Reader; Jack Farley's Flying Switch, in Warman, Short Rails; Histories of Two Boys, in Riverside SeventhReader; History of Labor Day, in Stevenson, Days and Deeds (prose); TheArms of Aeneas, in Church, Stories from Virgil; The Blacksmith Boy andthe Battle, in Marden, Winning Out; The Duke's Armorer, in Stories ofChivalry Retold from St. Nicholas; The Scullion Boy's Opportunity, inMarden, Winning Out; The Vision of Anton the Clockmaker, in Dyer, TheRicher Life, Tubal Cain, Mackay (poem), in Story-Telling Poems. 

COLUMBUS DAY

For grades 4-8. 

Columbus, Miller (poem), in Riverside Seventh Reader; Columbus at theConvent, Trowbridge (poem), in Stevenson, Poems of American History;Guanahani, in Maores, Christopher Columbus; How Diego Mendez Got Foodfor Columbus in Higginson, American Explorers; How Diego Mendez SavedColumbus, in Higginson, American Explorers; In Search of the GrandKhan, in Moores, Christopher Columbus; The Garden of Eden, in Moores, Christopher Columbus. 

HALLOWEEN

For grades 1-4. 

The Smith and the Fairies, in Grierson, Children's Book of CelticStories; The Witch, in Lang, Yellow Fairy Book; The Witch That was aHare, in Rhys, English Fairy Book; Tom-Tit Tot (Rumpelstiltskin), inJacobs, English Fairy Tales. 

For grades 5-6. 

Mr. Fox, in Jacobs, English Fairy Tales; The Godfather, in Grimm, GermanHousehold Tales; The Golden Arm, in Jacobs, Enylish Fairy Tales; TheRobber Bridegroom, in Grimm, German Household Tales; The Story of a Cat, Bedoliere; The Youth Who Could not Shiver or Shake, in Grimm, GermanHousehold Tales. 

For grades 7-8. 

Alice Brand, in Scott, Lady of the Lake (poem); All-Hallow-Eve Myths, in Our Holidays Retold from St. Nicholas; Black Andie's Tale ofTod Lapraik, in Stevenson, David Balfour; History of Hallowe'en, inStevenson, Days and Deeds (prose); Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and RipVan Winkle Irving; Macbeth, Shakespeare; The Bottle Imp, in Stevenson, Island Nights' Entertainments; The Devil and Tom Walker, Irving; TheFire-King, Scott (poem); The Speaking Rat, in Dickens, UncommercialTraveller, chapter 15. 

THANKSGIVING DAY

For grades 1-4

A Thanksgiving Dinner, in White, When Molly was Six; The Chestnut Boys, in Poulsson, In the Child's World; The First Thanksgiving Day, inWiggin and Smith, Story Hour; The Marriage of Mondahmin, in Judd, WigwamStories; The Turkey's Nest, in Lindsay, More Mother Stories; The Visit, in Lindsay, More Mother Stories; Turkeys Turning the Tables, in Howells, Christmas Every Day. 

For grades 5-6. 

A Dinner That Ran Away, in Miller, Kristy's Surprise Party; A Mysteryin the Kitchen, in Miller, Kristy's Surprise Party; Ann Mary, Her TwoThanksgivings, in Wilkins, Young Lueretia; An Old-Time Thanksgiving, inIndian Stories Retold from St. Nicholas; The Coming of Thanksgiving, andThe Season of Pumpkin Pies, in Warner, Being a Boy; The Magic Apples, in Brown, In the Days of Giants; St. Francis's Sermon to the Birds, Longfellow (poem), in Story-Telling Poems. 

For grades 7-8. 

An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, Alcott; The First Thanksgiving Day, Preston (poem), in Story-Telling Poems; The Night Before Thanksgiving, in Jewett, The Queen's Twin; The Peace Message (poem), in Stevenson, Poems of American History; The Turkey Drive, in Sharp, Winter. 

CHRISTMAS DAY

For grades 1-4. 

A Christmas Tree Reversed, in Brown, Little Miss Phoebe Gay; Babouseka, Thomas (poem), in Story-Telling Poems; Christmas Every Day, Howells;Fulfilled, in Bryant, How to Tell Stories to Children; His ChristmasTurkey, in Vawter, The Rabbi's Ransom; In the Great Walled Country, inAlden, Why the Chimes Rang; Little Girl's Christmas, in Dickinson andSkinner, Children's Book of Christmas Stories; Santa Claus and theMouse, Poulsson (poem), in St. Nicholas Christmas Book; The ChristmasCake, in Lindsay, More Mother Stories; The Christmas Tree, in Austin, Basket Woman; The First New England Christmas, in Stone and Fickett, Every-Day Life in the Colonies; The Golden Cobwebs, in Bryant, Howto Tell Stories to Children; The Moon of Yule, in Davis, The Moons ofBalbanea; The Rileys' Christmas, in White, When Molly was Six; The Storyof Gretchen in Lindsay, Mother Stories; The Three Kings of Cologne, Field (poem), in Story-Telling Poems; The Turkey Doll, Gates; TheVoyage of the Wee Red Cap, in Dickinson and Skinner, Children's Bookof Christmas Stories; Toinette and the Elves, in Dickinson and Skinner, Children's Book of Christmas Stones; 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Moore (poem); Why the Chimes Rang, Alden. 

For grades 5-6. 

Christmas Before Last, in Stockton, Bee-Man of Orn; Christmas in theAlley, in Miller, Kristy's Queer Christmas; Dog of Flanders, Ramee;Felix, in Stein, Troubadour Tales; Good King Wenceslas (poem), inStory-Telling Poems; Hope's Christmas Tree, in Miller, Kristy'sSurprise Party, How a Bear Brought Christmas, in Miller, Kristy's QueerChristmas; How Santa Claus Came to Simpson's Bar, in Harte, Luck ofRoaring Camp; How Uncle Sam Observes Christmas, in Our Holidays Retoldfrom St. Nicholas; Lottie's Christmas Tree, in Miller, Kristy's RainyDay Picnic; St. Nicholas and the Innkeeper, in Walsh, Story of SantaKlaus; St. Nicholas and the Robbers, in Walsh, Story of Santa Klaus; St. Nicholas and the Slave Boy, in Walsh, Story of Santa Klaus; Santa Clauson a Lark, Gladden; Solomon Crow's Christmas Pockets, Stuart; The Birds'Christmas Carol, Wiggin; The Coming of the Prince, in Field, ChristmasTales and Christmas Verse; The Festival of St. Nicholas, in Dodge, Hans Brinker; The Peace Egg, Ewing; The Symbol and the Saint, in Field, Christmas Tales and Christmas Verse. 

For grades 7-8. 

A Christmas Carol, Dickens; A Still Christmas, Repplier, in Morris, Inthe Yule-Log Glow; The First Christmas Tree, Van Dyke; The Lost Word, Van Dyke; The Mansion, Van Dyke; The Other Wise Man, Van Dyke; Cosette, in Hugo, Les Miserables, book 3; Where Love is, There God is Also, Tolstoy. 

ARBOR DAY

For grades 1-4. 

Flower of the Almond and Fruit of the Fig, in Foote, Little Fig-TreeStories; Earl and the Dryad, in Brown, Star Jewels; The Girl Who Becamea Pine Tree, in Judd, Wigwam Stories; The Kind Old Oak, in Poulsson, In the Child's World; The Oak Tree, in Vawter, The Rabbit's Ransom; TheWorkman and the Trees, in Ramaswami Raju, Indian Fables. 

For grades 5-6. 

Apple-Seed John, Child (poem), in Story-Telling Poems; How the ChildrenSaved Hamburg, in Marden, Winning Out; How the Indians Learned to MakeMaple Sugar, in University of the State of New York, Legends and Poetryof the Forests; Old Pipes and the Dryad, in Stockton, Bee-Man of Orn;Tale of Old Man and the Birch Tree, in University of the State of NewYork, Legends and Poetry of the Forests; The Elm and the Vine, Rosas(poem), in Story-Telling Poems; The Gourd and the Palm (poem), inStory-Telling Poems; The Planting of the Apple Tree, Bryant (poem), inRiverside Fifth Reader. 

For grades 7-8. 

Brier-Rose, Boyesen (poem), in Story-Telling Poems; How the Charter wasSaved, in Morris, Historical Tales, American; O-So-Ah, the Tall PineSpeaks, in University of the State of New York, Legends and Poetry ofthe Forests; The Eliot Oak, in Drake, New England Legends; The First ofthe Trees, in University of the State of New York, Legends and Poetry ofthe Forests; The Liberty Tree, in Hawthorne, Grandfather's Chair, part3. Chapter 2; The Plucky Prince, May Bryant (poem), in Story-TellingPoems; The Story of a Thousand-Year Pine, Mills; The Washington Elm, inDrake, New England Legends. 

BIRD DAY

For grades 1-4. 

Out of the Nest, in Lindsay, More Mother Stories; The Fox and the Crow, in Jacobs, Aesop's Fables; The Jackdaw and the Doves, in Scudder, Bookof Fables and Folk-Stories; The Jay and the Peacock, in Jacobs, Aesop'sFables; The King, the Falcon, and the Drinking Cup, in Dutton, TheTortoise and the Geese; The Lark and her Young Ones, in Scudder, Bookof Fables and Folk-Stories; The Monk and the Bird, in Scudder, Book oflegends; The Owl and his School, in Ramaswami Raju, Indian Fables;The Owl and the Pussy-Cat, Lear (poem), in Story-Telling Poems; ThePartridge and the Crow, in Dutton, The Tortoise and the Geese; The PiousRobin, in Brown, Curious Book of Birds; The Rustic and the Nightingale, in Dutton, The Tortoise and the Geese; The Sparrows, Thaxter (poem), inStory-Telling Poems; The Sparrows and the Snake, in Dutton, The Tortoiseand the Geese; The Spendthrift and the Swallow, in Scudder, Bookof Fables and Folk-Stories; The Story of the First Mocking-Bird, inHolbrook, Book of Nature Myths; The Story of the Oriole, in Holbrook, Book of Nature Myths; The Wren Who Brought Fire, in Brown, Curious Bookof Birds; Why the Peacock's Tail has a Hundred Eyes, in Holbrook, Bookof Nature Myths; Why the Peetweet Cries for Rain, in Holbrook, Book ofNature Myths. 

For grades 5-6. 

A Madcap Thrush, in Miller, True Bird Stories; Antics in the Bird Room, in Miller, True Bird Stories; Fate of the Children of Lir, in Grierson, Children's Book of Celtie Stories; Halcyone, in Brown, Curious Bookof Birds; St. Francis's Sermon to the Birds, Longfellow (poem), inStory-Telling Poems; Saint Kentigern and the Robin, in Brown, Bookof Saints and Friendly Beasts; The Donkey and the Mocking-Bird, Rosas(poem), in Story-Telling Poems; The Early Girl, in Brown, Curious Bookof Birds; The Nightingale, in Andersen, Wonder Stories; The Parrot, Campbell (poem), in Story-Telling Poems, The Phoenix, in Brown, CuriousBook of Birds; The Robin, Whittier (poem); The Sauey Oriole, in Miller, True Bird Stories; The Wild Swans, in Andersen, Wonder Stories; Walterson der Vogelweid, Longfellow (poem). 

For grades 7-8. 

Arnaux, the Chronicle of a Homing Pigeon, in Thompson-Seton, AnimalHeroes; King Edwin's Feast, Chadwiek (poem), in Story-Telling Poems;Our New Neighbors at Ponkapog, in Riverside Seventh Reader; The Abbotof Inisfalen, Allingham (poem), in Story-Telling Poems; The Birds ofKillingworth, Longfellow (poem); The Downy Woodpecker, in Bird Storiesfrom Burroughs; The Eagle, Tennyson (poem); The Emperor's Bird's-Nest, Longfellow (poem), in Story-Telling Poems; The Falcon of Ser Federigo, Longfellow (poem); The Gulls, in Breck, Wilderness Pets, pages 103, 161;The House Wren, in Bird Stories from Burroughs; The Keeper of the Nest, in Roberts, The Feet of the Furtive; The Screech Owl, in Bird Storiesfrom Burroughs; The Song Sparrow, in Bird Stories from Burroughs.